But there was something that neither Enoch Blois nor the Emperor knew.
That was because Prince Kite was on Killian's side.
“Now that the Emperor knows you are Adrian Velvet, what will you do?”
In fact, Kite had secretly installed a magic device while meeting the Emperor in the audience room and was eavesdropping on the conversations taking place within it.
His men, who followed Kite to the Vancent Empire, were thoroughly trained spies who took turns eavesdropping on conversations in the throne room every day.
And today, he overheard the conversation between the Emperor and Enoch Blois. They summarized the content briefly and relayed it to Prince Kite.
1. The Emperor learned that Adrian Velvet was alive.
2. The person who reported this fact was Count Enoch Blois.
3. Count Enoch Blois is the boss of the Giuliano organization, Matteo.
Killian carefully read the document containing the entire wiretap.
He already suspected that Enoch Blois was the boss of the Giuliano organization, so he felt relieved to hear the confirmation.
“Marquis, are you listening to me?”
Finally, Kite, who was frustrated, raised his voice.
“It was bound to come out at some point that I was a descendant of the Velvet family anyway.”
When Count Sinope took him to his estate, he was still concerned about Billy, who had witnessed it.
'That kid is the one who ends up doing the work.'
Killian clicked his tongue inwardly and opened his mouth.
“I will now reveal to the entire Empire that I am Adrian Velvet.”
“Marquis, are you crazy?”
"The Emperor will find it increasingly difficult to touch me from now on. Just wait and see."
Killian smiled coolly.
News that Adrian Velvet was alive swept through Vanxent.
Even people who didn't remember where the Velvet family was because it had disappeared so long ago sighed and said, "Ah!" while reading the newspaper.
The newspaper had published quite a bit of detailed information about the Velvet family.
“But that Prince Adrian Velvet is the current Marquis of Starr?”
As evidence, the newspaper also revealed the Velvet family's belongings that Killian had.
“Oh my goodness, seeing as he became a mafia member, it’s obvious he’s been through a lot.”
Suspicion turned to the palace, wondering why Adrian Velvet had been missing and on the streets for so long.
“But why did he hide it until now and only reveal it now?”
"Didn't you read the bottom line of the article? He said he had amnesia. He's only now regaining it and revealing it."
“Oh, that’s too bad.”
And the Starr organization was also surprised by this news.
Except for his closest confidant, Giovanni, no one in the organization, including Alvin, Knox, Chambers, and Pete, knew of Killian's true identity.
In particular, among these, Knox's shock was the greatest.
“This kid hid it from me for almost ten years!”
Knox is someone Killian has known since his days wandering the back alleys.
“It’s such a huge secret that it could threaten your life, so wouldn’t it be worth keeping it hidden?”
Fortunately, the other members of the organization were all understanding of Killian's situation.
“What pisses me off is that Prince Kite knew things I didn’t know! AHH!”
Knox, unable to contain his jealousy of Prince Kite, went out onto the terrace and screamed.
“...It will be back to normal soon.”
Giovanni tried to ignore Knox and talked to Prince Kite.
“What are the movements of the imperial family?”
“I received a call asking me to refrain from entering the palace for a while.”
The Emperor seemed reluctant to meet Prince Kite, as public opinion towards him had turned against him.
“Now there must be nobles contacting the Marquis of Starr.”
“Yes, most of them were close friends with the Velvet family.”
The fact that he contacted Killian without even considering the Emperor's reaction clearly showed that Vancent's imperial authority had weakened significantly.
“Are they people who can be of help to Marquis Starr?”
“Yes, in particular, someone of quite high rank in Vancent contacted the boss.”
“Who is that?”
That man was the Marquis of Huppert, the man Killian was meeting right now.
“Seeing Adrian grow up and start a family with his wife, the late Duke of Velvet and his wife would be very happy.”
"Thank you."
At the dinner party at the Huppert house, in addition to the Marquis of Huppert, his wife, and their daughter Marlene, Killian and Emily were present.
The Marquis de Huppert was a close friend of the Duke of Velvet. In fact, he had been deeply moved by the news that his friend had died in an accident and that his son, whom he had assumed was also dead, was alive.
“You came to our villa to play when you were little. Don’t you remember me?”
“I vaguely remember.”
“Is that so?”
The Marquis of Huppert looked back at Marlene, who was sitting next to him, with a slightly regretful look.
“When you were little, Marlene was so obedient to you that I jokingly said you two should get married.”
At those words, Killian and Marlene's hands, which were eating food, stopped in mid-air.
Marlene gritted her teeth and spoke in a low voice so that only the Marquis could hear.
“What's wrong with Father's head? That's going too far.”
That was because Prince Kite was on Killian's side.
“Now that the Emperor knows you are Adrian Velvet, what will you do?”
In fact, Kite had secretly installed a magic device while meeting the Emperor in the audience room and was eavesdropping on the conversations taking place within it.
His men, who followed Kite to the Vancent Empire, were thoroughly trained spies who took turns eavesdropping on conversations in the throne room every day.
And today, he overheard the conversation between the Emperor and Enoch Blois. They summarized the content briefly and relayed it to Prince Kite.
1. The Emperor learned that Adrian Velvet was alive.
2. The person who reported this fact was Count Enoch Blois.
3. Count Enoch Blois is the boss of the Giuliano organization, Matteo.
Killian carefully read the document containing the entire wiretap.
He already suspected that Enoch Blois was the boss of the Giuliano organization, so he felt relieved to hear the confirmation.
“Marquis, are you listening to me?”
Finally, Kite, who was frustrated, raised his voice.
“It was bound to come out at some point that I was a descendant of the Velvet family anyway.”
When Count Sinope took him to his estate, he was still concerned about Billy, who had witnessed it.
'That kid is the one who ends up doing the work.'
Killian clicked his tongue inwardly and opened his mouth.
“I will now reveal to the entire Empire that I am Adrian Velvet.”
“Marquis, are you crazy?”
"The Emperor will find it increasingly difficult to touch me from now on. Just wait and see."
Killian smiled coolly.
***
News that Adrian Velvet was alive swept through Vanxent.
Even people who didn't remember where the Velvet family was because it had disappeared so long ago sighed and said, "Ah!" while reading the newspaper.
The newspaper had published quite a bit of detailed information about the Velvet family.
“But that Prince Adrian Velvet is the current Marquis of Starr?”
As evidence, the newspaper also revealed the Velvet family's belongings that Killian had.
“Oh my goodness, seeing as he became a mafia member, it’s obvious he’s been through a lot.”
Suspicion turned to the palace, wondering why Adrian Velvet had been missing and on the streets for so long.
“But why did he hide it until now and only reveal it now?”
"Didn't you read the bottom line of the article? He said he had amnesia. He's only now regaining it and revealing it."
“Oh, that’s too bad.”
And the Starr organization was also surprised by this news.
Except for his closest confidant, Giovanni, no one in the organization, including Alvin, Knox, Chambers, and Pete, knew of Killian's true identity.
In particular, among these, Knox's shock was the greatest.
“This kid hid it from me for almost ten years!”
Knox is someone Killian has known since his days wandering the back alleys.
“It’s such a huge secret that it could threaten your life, so wouldn’t it be worth keeping it hidden?”
Fortunately, the other members of the organization were all understanding of Killian's situation.
“What pisses me off is that Prince Kite knew things I didn’t know! AHH!”
Knox, unable to contain his jealousy of Prince Kite, went out onto the terrace and screamed.
“...It will be back to normal soon.”
Giovanni tried to ignore Knox and talked to Prince Kite.
“What are the movements of the imperial family?”
“I received a call asking me to refrain from entering the palace for a while.”
The Emperor seemed reluctant to meet Prince Kite, as public opinion towards him had turned against him.
“Now there must be nobles contacting the Marquis of Starr.”
“Yes, most of them were close friends with the Velvet family.”
The fact that he contacted Killian without even considering the Emperor's reaction clearly showed that Vancent's imperial authority had weakened significantly.
“Are they people who can be of help to Marquis Starr?”
“Yes, in particular, someone of quite high rank in Vancent contacted the boss.”
“Who is that?”
That man was the Marquis of Huppert, the man Killian was meeting right now.
“Seeing Adrian grow up and start a family with his wife, the late Duke of Velvet and his wife would be very happy.”
"Thank you."
At the dinner party at the Huppert house, in addition to the Marquis of Huppert, his wife, and their daughter Marlene, Killian and Emily were present.
The Marquis de Huppert was a close friend of the Duke of Velvet. In fact, he had been deeply moved by the news that his friend had died in an accident and that his son, whom he had assumed was also dead, was alive.
“You came to our villa to play when you were little. Don’t you remember me?”
“I vaguely remember.”
“Is that so?”
The Marquis of Huppert looked back at Marlene, who was sitting next to him, with a slightly regretful look.
“When you were little, Marlene was so obedient to you that I jokingly said you two should get married.”
At those words, Killian and Marlene's hands, which were eating food, stopped in mid-air.
Marlene gritted her teeth and spoke in a low voice so that only the Marquis could hear.
“What's wrong with Father's head? That's going too far.”
"It's true. When you kept insisting on marrying Adrian, I used to try to appease you by telling you we'd talk when you were older."
“Huh? I have absolutely no memory of meeting Marquis Starr when I was young.”
“You were only four years old at the time.”
Madame Huppert, seeing Marlene's serious expression, turned her head and laughed as if she found it amusing.
“Oh, did I say something rude in front of Mrs. Starr?”
The Marquis Huppert, who had only recently become aware of Emily, said with an apology.
“No, it’s okay.”
Emily was also holding back laughter at the amusing reactions of Killian and Marlene.
Killian suddenly felt indigestion and put down his fork to wipe his mouth with a napkin.
As she turned her gaze in that direction, Marlene met Killian's cold gaze and swallowed without realizing it.
'I proposed to such a scary man?'
“It’s the worst.”
The atmosphere at the table suddenly became tense as Marlene blurted out her words without realizing it.
“...Did I really just say that out loud?”
Emily, who was sitting across from her, nodded with a puzzled look on her face.
“No, no!”
Marlene jumped up and explained.
“I’m not saying the Marquis is the worst, but I think the situation where we get married is the worst...”
The more she talked, the more things got complicated.
“You know? I don’t hate the Marquis. But that doesn’t mean I like him.”
She threw her arms around in a big fuss and ended up smashing the vase that was on the table in the middle.
"This."
As the vase fell, water poured down on Killian and Emily, who were on the other side.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m doing this.”
Marlene ran frantically, grabbed the towel the maid was holding, and handed it to Killian.
“I don’t have the nerve to do something like this to the mafia.”
Madame de Huppert shook her head as if she had a headache from the series of events.
“Marlene, just stay still. Things are getting more complicated.”
“I’m sorry. I thought I could handle it.”
Marlene had returned to her original position, completely exhausted.
The Marquis of Huppert personally apologized to Killian and Emily.
"My daughter took the wrong medicine this morning, and her dopamine levels are going up. Please understand."
“...Then I understand.”
Marlene glared at her father.
'Who is to blame for all this?'
Suddenly, Killian was invited to her house, so she ended up taking a tonic instead of a sedative.
Marlene sighed deeply.
It seemed like it would take some more time to calm her surprised mind.
After that, there was an awkward silence at the table for a while.
After the eventful meal, Marquis Huppert and Killian went into the Marquis's study to have a more in-depth conversation.
“The two of you can go back and have a more comfortable conversation.”
Madame de Huppert gave Marlene and Emily their drawing room and went up to their room.
“This room has the best view in the Huppert mansion.”
As Marlene said, the view of the outdoor garden beyond the glass door leading to the living room terrace was truly beautiful.
“Marlene, I have a favor to ask.”
“It hasn’t even been five minutes since we started talking, and we’re already starting to get uncomfortable.”
Marlene rested her chin on the armrest of the sofa. Meanwhile, Josephine, seemingly out of nowhere, leaped onto Marlene's lap and sat down.
“Are you asking me to help you shape public opinion?”
“Yes, because you are part of the most influential group in society.”
“That’s true.”
Emily had recently received information from Giovanni about the current state of the imperial family's debts and the absurd tax policies implemented by the Emperor.
He passed information to Emily and asked her to shape public opinion so that the Emperor would lose the people's support.
“Just give them a few words, and I’ll take care of everything from then on.”
“Hmm...”
After thinking for a while, Marlene made a firm resolution and slapped the armrest.
“Yes. But I have a favor to ask of you, too.”
“What is it?”
“Connect me with Viscount Knox Clive.”
'I forgot.'
Emily opened her mouth in a troubled voice, rubbing her forehead as if in pain.
“Marlene, I actually have something to tell you about Mr. Knox.”
“I don’t really want to hear it, but I can’t help it.”
Marlene nodded with a trembling face.
"Say it."
“In fact, Viscount Knox Clive is the third son who was excommunicated from the Howard family.”
Marlene looked like she didn't quite understand what he meant.
“I heard that the third son of the Howard family became a mafia member?”
"That's right."
"Yes?"
Marlene's eyes soon filled with surprise.
“You’re not trying to say that Viscount Clive is a mafia member, are you?”
“He’s a mafia guy. He works for the Starr organization.”
“Oh my god...”
Marlene, who had been staring blankly into space in shock for a while, slowly opened her mouth.
“Yeah, one way or another, I’m destined to become a mafia wife.”
"Yes?"
Marlene jumped up from her seat, holding Josephine in her arms.
"Good. I've accepted my fate. It's come to this. I have to reconnect with Mother and Mr. Clive. He'll become a member of the Howard family again!"
“...You’ve already thought that far, you. Your delusions are no joke.”
Even before that, she was already calling Mrs. Howard "Mother." Emily clicked her tongue at Marlene's behavior and asked.
“But weren’t you afraid of the mafia?”
“I don’t know. I think what I’m really afraid of isn’t the mafia, but your husband.”
Marlene, who was speaking, glared at Emily.
“So, are you going to help me or not?”
“Yes... I’ll try to create a natural setting with Mr. Knox.”
"Yes."
Marlene sat back down on the sofa with a satisfied expression.
Emily was worried about the combination of Marlene and Knox, but she was glad that it ended up that way.
“Then I will help Marquis Starr for Mr. Clive’s sake.”
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