The Grand Duchess Escape

Rebecca finally accepted the truth and then she resolved not to forgive Philip, who had deceived and manipulated her.

She was determined to exact a revenge more ruthless than the pain she had suffered. The proportional hatred, as vast as her love had been, transformed into the merciless blade of vengeance.

The Vallouse couple actively supported their daughter’s plan.

And now, only Philip, who believed that Rebecca knew nothing was the actual one who was completely unaware of his surroundings, lost in his delusion of placing his son on the Marquis’s seat, floundering in sweet delusions.

Unaware that he was already a mere fly caught in a trap.

“The Emperor is the only one who profited from this mockery.”

The hunt was over, and the Emperor had already set the pot to boil the spoils.

In such a situation, the Vallouse family’s loyalty was no different from a pumpkin vine creeping into the pot. They were being rewarded with a sumptuous feast in exchange for the mere act of lighting the fire under the pot.

Of course, taking into account the fact that Rebecca’s life was spared thanks to this, the Vallouse family was rather fortunate.

“Publish an article in the newspaper. State that the Emperor will soon approve Anthony Chartus’ succession to the Marquisate.”

It was an order that didn’t seem to suit Calix’s usual approach. The Grand Duke preferred to handle affairs while keeping it low-key. This way of stirring up a commotion was not his style.

However, rather than speculate on his master’s intentions, Ryzen chose to calmly inquire.

“Will it be okay to not inform the Emperor separately?”

“Fernandez will know that I have made the move.”

“I’ll pass the information to the tabloids right away.”

There were plenty of small newspapers seeking stimulation and gossip. Just sprinkling them with a few breadcrumbs would make them swarm like an army of ants, each trying to get a piece ahead of the others. If a few people were released into the crowd to fan the flames, the spread of rumors would happen in an instant.

“Increase the funds allocated to Chartus’ business.”

Calix planned to throw a bait to completely blind Philip’s eyes. The pitiful hound of the Emperor would believe only what he saw, and it would be too late once he realized he was thrown into the boiling pot.

His fall from grace at his happiest moment would be his most terrible despair.

“Rebecca Vallouse made a wise choice.”

If it weren’t for that, Rebecca would have been with Philip when his head falls from his neck.

Although there was a deal with the Emperor, it was a rather merciful decision on Calix’s part. While Rebecca was involved with Philip as his lover, it was a possible course of action, no less because there was no evidence of her involvement in the violence inflicted on Asella.

Of course, that didn’t mean he would let her off easily.

“Handle it discreetly. Ensure she never crosses paths with Asella again.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

When Rebecca returns to the Empire, there would be no place left for her in any social circles. However, compared to what Philip and Anthony had done, that was truly insignificant.

“What about Philip and his son?”

“Deal with them swiftly and discreetly.”

They would burn the bodies, disguising them appropriately among other corpses, and simply report the results to the Emperor. After all, there wouldn’t be any remaining witnesses anyway.

Calix smirked and chuckled to himself.

He had no intention of sparing those responsible for Asella’s living nightmare.

Not a single one.