“Ari Eriant?!”
The owner of the information, or more accurately, Shuan Eriant, jumped up from his seat. He quickly walked up to me.
I stood firm, not backing down. Shuan's eyes seemed to light up.
“How do you know that?”
"What are you talking about? The whereabouts of Ari Eriant? Or the identity of the information merchant?"
At my smiling words, Shuan threw off his mask, seemingly frustrated. His own identity seemed to be of no importance at this point.
Shuan knelt down on one knee in front of me.
“If that information is confirmed, there’s no reason for this information to remain, so I can hand it over without hesitation.”
"I'm sure. It's just hard to find a way to get it out."
“Where, where is she?”
Shuan's voice was desperate.
The Marquis of Eriant had two children. One was Shuan Eriant, the one before us, and the other was Ari Eriant, renowned as the most beautiful woman in the empire. Ari was so beautiful that she had countless suitors.
Ari suddenly disappeared. Countless suitors came forward to become the Prince who rescued her. The Marquis of Eriant even offered a huge bounty.
Despite this, Ari did not return to the Marquis's arms.
The Marchioness of Eriant, her mother, busy managing the social world, made no further attempts to find her daughter, perhaps as if she had completely forgotten her. But Shuan was different.
Shuan desperately tried to find his sister. He hoped that if she was alive, he would find some trace of her.
That's why the Owl Information Service was created. Even though it was a burdensome task for a nobleman to handle directly, he devoted all his energy to gathering information by personally meeting people. Having nurtured his career with such fervor, even a large sum of money wouldn't sell him.
Neither money nor power could sway his heart. Only information about Ari could move Shuan.
I looked down at Shuan, who was kneeling at my feet, and spoke slowly.
“Younh Lady Ariant... is imprisoned in the Second Prince’s palace.”
“What is that...”
“It means that she has become the government of His Highness Cain, the Second Prince.”
In the empire, no one but the Emperor could establish a government. However, this did not stop arrogant nobles and the wealthy from secretly establishing governments, following the Emperor's lead.
However, the Princes were an exception. Although they held greater rights than anyone else, they could not, for any reason, bring in a government.
This was because it was considered an attempt to overshadow the throne for the Prince to have a government.
This is because historically, there have been many instances where Princes who had multiple governments and produced many descendants used them to increase their power.
“Unless Prince Cain is crazy...”
Shuan's expression was utterly confused. In an empire where the Emperor was unaware of the Prince's presence, having a government was a very dangerous act.
And on top of that, he kidnapped the Marquis's daughter without the Marquis's permission and made her his mistress. It was truly absurd.
While Shuan was relieved that his sister was alive, his heart raced again at the thought of being involved in such a dangerous situation.
"Prince Cain is a very greedy man. He's especially fascinated by beautiful women. There's no way he could leave the Young Lady Eriant, considered the most beautiful woman in the empire, alone. Furthermore, the Marquis of Eriant could influence the next imperial line, so he probably thought it was killing two birds with one stone."
“Do you think our Eriant family would accept that so readily?”
“Master Eriant.”
I looked at him with a sharp gaze. Shuan seemed to realize something in my gaze, and a pained expression filled his face. He shook his head.
“That can’t be true. Even my mother wouldn’t know.”
“Do you really think she doesn’t know?”
Shuan slammed his fist against the floor. His gentle demeanor vanished. His clenched fists trembled. His anger was palpable.
“If that information is correct, the owl information is yours, Layla Winsley.”
I nodded. The information was certain, an unchangeable truth. I was confident.
"Once you've confirmed this, I need you to help me. It'll also help you get your sister out."
"All right."
"Please send the contact to my home. Don't forget to pretend to be a close noble lady. A name like Lete would be good."
“Yes. Is there anything else you want to say?”
I had nothing else to say, so I shook my head and was about to leave, but a thought suddenly occurred to me, so I stopped and turned around.
"His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Dukezan and I will be getting married in a few months. After that, please contact the Grand Duke of Dukezan's residence."
Shuan started to ask something, then stopped. I didn't bother to ask either, just nodded and left. The bar was still noisy.
After Layla left, Shuan sat back down in his chair, lost in thought.
“How did Young Lady Winsley know that information?”
Then, unconsciously, he turned his pen and muttered again. Her beautiful blond hair and knightly physique were attractive, but there was something else that captivated Shuan. Her commanding voice, always confident, yet never letting up on important matters, possessed a power that compelled one to listen.
“It’s a shame that a woman of that caliber would marry a monster Grand Duke.”
Shuan stared outside, thinking of the reckless woman who had just appeared before him.
It was impressive that she had entered the road through a route that a noble young lady would naturally avoid. However, this was something that those with tragic circumstances often accomplished.
“It would have been enough to find out the location of the owl information, but she also knew my identity and knew exactly what I wanted.”
What on earth does she possess that gives her such a wealth of information? Even if she knows this, what information is needed here? This is what's so suspicious.
Meanwhile, I headed toward the carriage, unaware that Shuan had taken an interest in me. I'd forgotten, but I was sick, and after wandering around outside all night, I felt my body creaking.
“Miss, are you okay?”
I must have been unsteady. To the coachman's question, I simply waved my hand without answering and climbed into the carriage. The coachman drove as slowly as he could. But the wheel must have hit a rock, and the carriage shook violently. Then, my stomach churned, and I felt a sharp taste of blood in my throat.
“Ugh...”
I vomited blood into a handkerchief and wiped my mouth. I threw the handkerchief outside, and the bloody handkerchief disappeared into the darkness.
I had to hide it thoroughly because if my family found out, I would be locked up in the hospital, regardless of whether I got married or not.
The Marchioness's party at the Marquis of Eriant's house was approaching.
I sent a letter to Julian shortly before attending the party.
"I'm going to Marquis Eriant's party. I'll go there and publicly announce that I'm your fiancée. I'm sending you a short letter, hoping you won't be too surprised by your reckless fiancée."
I don't think Julian would like a fiancée who goes around talking everywhere.
But just because I was hunched over didn't mean people wouldn't talk about me. In that case, it was better to act confidently, like I'd won him over.
I tied my blonde hair back in a half-updo and wore a bright blue ribbon. It was decorated with tiny pearls, giving it a classy yet cute look.
The Marchioness of Eriant's parties were famously extravagant, so extra effort was needed for my appearance. I decided to wear the blue dress I'd made a while ago but never got around to wearing. I spun around in the lace gloves I'd prepared for the occasion, and Anna applauded, seemingly pleased.
“Miss! You’re so pretty!”
“I like it too. But I need to change the earrings.”
“What should I change it to?”
Anna and I dipped our heads into the jewelry box, choosing earrings for a long time. Anna's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the colorful gems. Not only Anna, but I, too, felt a pang of worry as we ran our fingertips through the jewelry box. Something was captivating about the cool texture of the gems.
Knock. A knock was heard, and the door opened slightly, revealing my mother. She was as neat and elegant as ever, but her daughter's procrastination seemed to be making her anxious.
“Layla, you’re going to be late for the party!”
Only after my mother's worried cries did I rush out of the room. As I hurriedly boarded the carriage, Anna continued to brush my hair. I gently smoothed my bangs and looked outside.
The Marquis of Eriant's mansion was truly magnificent. It was bright and vibrant, as if the tragedy of her daughter's disappearance had never occurred. The Marchioness of Eriant greeted her guests with a bright smile.
"Young Lady Winsley, I'm glad you came to my party this time. Let's make a good connection."
“Thank you for the invitation. It’s an honor.”
I lifted the hem of my skirt and bowed deeply. Being invited to the Marchioness of Eriant's party was proof of my social standing. Here, I could gain valuable connections and information unavailable elsewhere.
As I entered the party venue, I saw Shuan in a corner, raising a glass of champagne and making eye contact. He was wearing a bright-colored suit, which perfectly matched his pretty face, which always flashed a bright smile.
I also greeted him with my eyes and slowly approached him.
“I heard that Master Eriant won’t be attending his mother’s party.”
When I asked him with a social smile, he responded with a smile as well.
“I heard that Lady Winsley was coming, so I was really curious about this party.”
He and I are just in a work relationship, so what is there to wonder about?
In my previous life, he was obsessed with finding his younger sister.
At that time, the information I had requested from Shuan was "evidence that the Second Prince had orchestrated a treasonous plot." While following the Second Prince at my request, Shuan discovered that he had a secret mistress and that this mistress was his younger sister, Ari Eriant.
But in this life, I told him straight away. There was no need to take the quick route. He must have wondered where I got that information, and if so, it was natural for him to be interested in me.
Feeling a sense of disconnect from my past life, I felt both elated and elated. Saving my family would also be possible.
“Aren’t you the ‘most beautiful woman’ at this party?”
I stared at him with a smooth demeanor. No matter how many other reasons I tried to explain, it was clear that his primary interest was his sister, Ari Eriant, the "most beautiful woman in the world."
“It took a lot of time to get everything done like this.”
I said with a sigh of relief. It meant that more time was needed to save Ari Eriant. Shuan seemed to understand immediately and asked.
“Is there anything this gentleman can help you with?”
“Yes. It would be better if you could help me.”
I clapped my hands, imitating the immature noblewoman. My gloved hands made only a slight friction sound.
“I will help you with anything that concerns women.”
Shuan bent down and extended his hand to me. I placed my hand on top of his, and he kissed the back of my hand politely. It was a kiss devoid of any sexual connotation, but simply a gesture of respect for the lady.
But that one action caught people's attention.
I was the fiancée of the Duke of Dukezan, who was rumored to be a monster, and I was the one who would become the Dukezan's Grand Duchess, and Shuan was the handsome son of a Marquis.
Some people found this sight amusing and laughed, but others found it very annoying.
“You got engaged right after your breakup, and now you’re very cozy with another man, Young Lady Winsley.”
The person who approached me was my ex-fiancé and husband from my previous life, KaiserAmber.
The owner of the information, or more accurately, Shuan Eriant, jumped up from his seat. He quickly walked up to me.
I stood firm, not backing down. Shuan's eyes seemed to light up.
“How do you know that?”
"What are you talking about? The whereabouts of Ari Eriant? Or the identity of the information merchant?"
At my smiling words, Shuan threw off his mask, seemingly frustrated. His own identity seemed to be of no importance at this point.
Shuan knelt down on one knee in front of me.
“If that information is confirmed, there’s no reason for this information to remain, so I can hand it over without hesitation.”
"I'm sure. It's just hard to find a way to get it out."
“Where, where is she?”
Shuan's voice was desperate.
The Marquis of Eriant had two children. One was Shuan Eriant, the one before us, and the other was Ari Eriant, renowned as the most beautiful woman in the empire. Ari was so beautiful that she had countless suitors.
Ari suddenly disappeared. Countless suitors came forward to become the Prince who rescued her. The Marquis of Eriant even offered a huge bounty.
Despite this, Ari did not return to the Marquis's arms.
The Marchioness of Eriant, her mother, busy managing the social world, made no further attempts to find her daughter, perhaps as if she had completely forgotten her. But Shuan was different.
Shuan desperately tried to find his sister. He hoped that if she was alive, he would find some trace of her.
That's why the Owl Information Service was created. Even though it was a burdensome task for a nobleman to handle directly, he devoted all his energy to gathering information by personally meeting people. Having nurtured his career with such fervor, even a large sum of money wouldn't sell him.
Neither money nor power could sway his heart. Only information about Ari could move Shuan.
I looked down at Shuan, who was kneeling at my feet, and spoke slowly.
“Younh Lady Ariant... is imprisoned in the Second Prince’s palace.”
“What is that...”
“It means that she has become the government of His Highness Cain, the Second Prince.”
In the empire, no one but the Emperor could establish a government. However, this did not stop arrogant nobles and the wealthy from secretly establishing governments, following the Emperor's lead.
However, the Princes were an exception. Although they held greater rights than anyone else, they could not, for any reason, bring in a government.
This was because it was considered an attempt to overshadow the throne for the Prince to have a government.
This is because historically, there have been many instances where Princes who had multiple governments and produced many descendants used them to increase their power.
“Unless Prince Cain is crazy...”
Shuan's expression was utterly confused. In an empire where the Emperor was unaware of the Prince's presence, having a government was a very dangerous act.
And on top of that, he kidnapped the Marquis's daughter without the Marquis's permission and made her his mistress. It was truly absurd.
While Shuan was relieved that his sister was alive, his heart raced again at the thought of being involved in such a dangerous situation.
"Prince Cain is a very greedy man. He's especially fascinated by beautiful women. There's no way he could leave the Young Lady Eriant, considered the most beautiful woman in the empire, alone. Furthermore, the Marquis of Eriant could influence the next imperial line, so he probably thought it was killing two birds with one stone."
“Do you think our Eriant family would accept that so readily?”
“Master Eriant.”
I looked at him with a sharp gaze. Shuan seemed to realize something in my gaze, and a pained expression filled his face. He shook his head.
“That can’t be true. Even my mother wouldn’t know.”
“Do you really think she doesn’t know?”
Shuan slammed his fist against the floor. His gentle demeanor vanished. His clenched fists trembled. His anger was palpable.
“If that information is correct, the owl information is yours, Layla Winsley.”
I nodded. The information was certain, an unchangeable truth. I was confident.
"Once you've confirmed this, I need you to help me. It'll also help you get your sister out."
"All right."
"Please send the contact to my home. Don't forget to pretend to be a close noble lady. A name like Lete would be good."
“Yes. Is there anything else you want to say?”
I had nothing else to say, so I shook my head and was about to leave, but a thought suddenly occurred to me, so I stopped and turned around.
"His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Dukezan and I will be getting married in a few months. After that, please contact the Grand Duke of Dukezan's residence."
Shuan started to ask something, then stopped. I didn't bother to ask either, just nodded and left. The bar was still noisy.
After Layla left, Shuan sat back down in his chair, lost in thought.
“How did Young Lady Winsley know that information?”
Then, unconsciously, he turned his pen and muttered again. Her beautiful blond hair and knightly physique were attractive, but there was something else that captivated Shuan. Her commanding voice, always confident, yet never letting up on important matters, possessed a power that compelled one to listen.
“It’s a shame that a woman of that caliber would marry a monster Grand Duke.”
Shuan stared outside, thinking of the reckless woman who had just appeared before him.
It was impressive that she had entered the road through a route that a noble young lady would naturally avoid. However, this was something that those with tragic circumstances often accomplished.
“It would have been enough to find out the location of the owl information, but she also knew my identity and knew exactly what I wanted.”
What on earth does she possess that gives her such a wealth of information? Even if she knows this, what information is needed here? This is what's so suspicious.
***
Meanwhile, I headed toward the carriage, unaware that Shuan had taken an interest in me. I'd forgotten, but I was sick, and after wandering around outside all night, I felt my body creaking.
“Miss, are you okay?”
I must have been unsteady. To the coachman's question, I simply waved my hand without answering and climbed into the carriage. The coachman drove as slowly as he could. But the wheel must have hit a rock, and the carriage shook violently. Then, my stomach churned, and I felt a sharp taste of blood in my throat.
“Ugh...”
I vomited blood into a handkerchief and wiped my mouth. I threw the handkerchief outside, and the bloody handkerchief disappeared into the darkness.
I had to hide it thoroughly because if my family found out, I would be locked up in the hospital, regardless of whether I got married or not.
***
The Marchioness's party at the Marquis of Eriant's house was approaching.
I sent a letter to Julian shortly before attending the party.
"I'm going to Marquis Eriant's party. I'll go there and publicly announce that I'm your fiancée. I'm sending you a short letter, hoping you won't be too surprised by your reckless fiancée."
I don't think Julian would like a fiancée who goes around talking everywhere.
But just because I was hunched over didn't mean people wouldn't talk about me. In that case, it was better to act confidently, like I'd won him over.
I tied my blonde hair back in a half-updo and wore a bright blue ribbon. It was decorated with tiny pearls, giving it a classy yet cute look.
The Marchioness of Eriant's parties were famously extravagant, so extra effort was needed for my appearance. I decided to wear the blue dress I'd made a while ago but never got around to wearing. I spun around in the lace gloves I'd prepared for the occasion, and Anna applauded, seemingly pleased.
“Miss! You’re so pretty!”
“I like it too. But I need to change the earrings.”
“What should I change it to?”
Anna and I dipped our heads into the jewelry box, choosing earrings for a long time. Anna's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the colorful gems. Not only Anna, but I, too, felt a pang of worry as we ran our fingertips through the jewelry box. Something was captivating about the cool texture of the gems.
Knock. A knock was heard, and the door opened slightly, revealing my mother. She was as neat and elegant as ever, but her daughter's procrastination seemed to be making her anxious.
“Layla, you’re going to be late for the party!”
Only after my mother's worried cries did I rush out of the room. As I hurriedly boarded the carriage, Anna continued to brush my hair. I gently smoothed my bangs and looked outside.
The Marquis of Eriant's mansion was truly magnificent. It was bright and vibrant, as if the tragedy of her daughter's disappearance had never occurred. The Marchioness of Eriant greeted her guests with a bright smile.
"Young Lady Winsley, I'm glad you came to my party this time. Let's make a good connection."
“Thank you for the invitation. It’s an honor.”
I lifted the hem of my skirt and bowed deeply. Being invited to the Marchioness of Eriant's party was proof of my social standing. Here, I could gain valuable connections and information unavailable elsewhere.
As I entered the party venue, I saw Shuan in a corner, raising a glass of champagne and making eye contact. He was wearing a bright-colored suit, which perfectly matched his pretty face, which always flashed a bright smile.
I also greeted him with my eyes and slowly approached him.
“I heard that Master Eriant won’t be attending his mother’s party.”
When I asked him with a social smile, he responded with a smile as well.
“I heard that Lady Winsley was coming, so I was really curious about this party.”
He and I are just in a work relationship, so what is there to wonder about?
In my previous life, he was obsessed with finding his younger sister.
At that time, the information I had requested from Shuan was "evidence that the Second Prince had orchestrated a treasonous plot." While following the Second Prince at my request, Shuan discovered that he had a secret mistress and that this mistress was his younger sister, Ari Eriant.
But in this life, I told him straight away. There was no need to take the quick route. He must have wondered where I got that information, and if so, it was natural for him to be interested in me.
Feeling a sense of disconnect from my past life, I felt both elated and elated. Saving my family would also be possible.
“Aren’t you the ‘most beautiful woman’ at this party?”
I stared at him with a smooth demeanor. No matter how many other reasons I tried to explain, it was clear that his primary interest was his sister, Ari Eriant, the "most beautiful woman in the world."
“It took a lot of time to get everything done like this.”
I said with a sigh of relief. It meant that more time was needed to save Ari Eriant. Shuan seemed to understand immediately and asked.
“Is there anything this gentleman can help you with?”
“Yes. It would be better if you could help me.”
I clapped my hands, imitating the immature noblewoman. My gloved hands made only a slight friction sound.
“I will help you with anything that concerns women.”
Shuan bent down and extended his hand to me. I placed my hand on top of his, and he kissed the back of my hand politely. It was a kiss devoid of any sexual connotation, but simply a gesture of respect for the lady.
But that one action caught people's attention.
I was the fiancée of the Duke of Dukezan, who was rumored to be a monster, and I was the one who would become the Dukezan's Grand Duchess, and Shuan was the handsome son of a Marquis.
Some people found this sight amusing and laughed, but others found it very annoying.
“You got engaged right after your breakup, and now you’re very cozy with another man, Young Lady Winsley.”
The person who approached me was my ex-fiancé and husband from my previous life, KaiserAmber.
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