The Fake Madam Disappeared
Vol. 1 - Ch. 70

The engagement ceremony between Duke Winter and Princess Elizabeth was abruptly interrupted. The reason? The Duke had suddenly left the venue.

Though he claimed it was due to an urgent matter, rumors quickly spread. He had allegedly run off at the call of his former wife. His marriage to the princess was said to be contractual, and he was still in love with his ex-wife.

The news, fresh and wriggling like a fish just pulled from the water, soon quieted once the imperial family intervened. Still, that didn’t stop the gossip entirely.

“I tried to suppress the rumors as much as possible, but these things don’t just go away...”

“Just say it.”

Elizabeth snapped irritably, cutting the speaker off. Yllin bowed deeply.

“There are rumors circulating that the Duke never submitted the divorce papers.”

On the day the arrangement was made, Edmund had taken the completed divorce documents with him. He should’ve signed and submitted them on the spot. Elizabeth clenched her teeth.

“Anything else?”

“Well…”

Having done many menial tasks, Yllin had befriended maids in various noble households and could easily gather information from them.

“…Your Highness’s standing has worsened significantly. No matter how much pressure the imperial family applies, the gossip keeps resurfacing...”

Before Yllin could finish, a teacup flew toward her, and she squeezed her eyes shut. Fortunately, it missed. Had it hit, the scalding liquid could’ve left a nasty scar on her face.

Yllin had once rejoiced upon hearing she’d been chosen as the princess's closest maid, thinking her life was finally turning around. But the truth was far from what she’d expected. Contrary to her public image, the princess was violent and temperamental. Outbursts like this, throwing cups or whatever was within reach, were not uncommon.

“Get out! I can’t stand the sight of you!”

And of course, it was always the servants who bore the brunt of her fury. Yllin bowed her head and quickly left the room.

Grace, who had been quietly observing, approached the furious Elizabeth once Yllin had gone.

“Your Highness, rumors fade in time.”

“Do you think I don’t know that?”

Elizabeth snapped her head around. Her bloodshot eyes, a result of sleepless nights, were enough to make Grace flinch.

“I’ll spread another rumor.”

“It’ll take more than that to bury this mess.”

Elizabeth, who knew better than anyone how the social circles operated, didn’t buy Grace’s reassurance.

“No, Your Highness. This is something I happened to overhear…”

Grace leaned in and whispered into Elizabeth’s ear, despite no one else being around.

“Really?”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened.

“Yes, this might just work… If we move the wedding up, the rumors will die down, and my reputation will recover.”

She muttered as she chewed on her nails.

Grace, sensing Elizabeth was calming down, silently sighed in relief and sat beside her, pouring her a fresh cup of tea.

“Your Highness, don’t worry too much about the Duke. Anyone could see his actions toward his ex-wife weren’t those of a man in love. Oh, there’s no more tea left. I’ll go fetch some.”

[“Have you ever loved me? Even for a single moment?”]

As Grace spoke, that memory came flooding back. Elizabeth froze mid-sip.

There had been a splash, and before Edmund could move, his men had rushed in first. More than a dozen had swarmed him, but Edmund had pushed them off one by one, trying to get to where Daphne had vanished.

“…That can’t be.”

Elizabeth muttered under her breath, eyes lowered.

[“Daphne!”]

It was the first time Elizabeth had seen that look on Edmund’s face. Gone was his usual cold, expressionless demeanor.

If someone had lost their world, if they were left alone in it, this would be the face they’d wear.

She understood then what kind of feelings Edmund harbored for Daphne.

— — — 

Grace walked through the corridor toward the kitchen when she heard footsteps. She instinctively ducked around a corner.

“Chancellor.”

“Grace.”

Sergei smiled warmly at her. His usually sharp eyes softened, and Grace couldn’t help but let out a small sigh of admiration.

Since he’d begun working with the princess, Sergei had drawn closer to Grace. Though she had initially resisted, his rare beauty and gentle demeanor eventually melted her defenses, and she found herself revealing everything to him with ease.

Even if he always left without hesitation after their conversations, Grace firmly believed his promise that they’d be married next year.

‘He’s different.’

Unlike other men who approached her only for information, Sergei seemed genuinely different.

“How did it go?”

“Oh, I told Her Highness.”

“Well done.”

At Sergei’s praise, Grace leaned in, trying to nestle into his chest.

“What if someone sees us? Next time.”

Though months had passed since they’d confirmed their feelings, Sergei had never once laid a hand on her. That restraint only deepened Grace’s trust in him.

Still, unable to suppress her longing, she fiddled with her hands before glancing up.

“But… is it really true?”

Grace lowered her voice. The information Sergei had given her was almost too shocking to believe.

“Is the Saintess really appearing?”

“Of course. I haven’t told anyone else, you know.”

Grace couldn’t contain her smile. She truly must be someone special to Sergei. Unable to hold back her joy, she hugged him tightly.

At the same time, Sergei’s expression twisted. He always found it hard to hide his distaste for physical contact, so he covered her head with his hand to keep her from seeing his face.

“We’re still getting married next year, right?”

“Do you not trust me?”

“Of course I do! I’m just so happy.”

Sergei clicked his tongue softly as he looked down at Grace, who clung to his false promise like a lifeline.

‘It’s time to throw this one away, too.’

He’d hand her over to the princess with a plausible excuse. She’d deal with it from there.

As he casually laid out this plan in his mind, a question gnawed at him.

‘But what is he thinking…?’

Why send Daphne to that temple?

Even going so far as to lie about saving Damian…

* * *

Swoooosh. Rain poured down.

Benjamin, gazing out the window, stepped closer. The rain had started two days ago, and it fell as if the sky itself had cracked open, no sign of stopping.

As he stared blankly at the downpour, a small bell rang.

It meant Edmund had pulled the bell cord from his bedroom. Benjamin quickly gathered some wine. His steps up the stairs were leaden.

Two days ago, Edmund had returned. He’d left in the middle of the engagement ceremony and had been seeking nothing but alcohol since. Only later did Benjamin learn why.

Madam… had thrown herself into the river.

It had been Alec, who, sensing something strange, had followed Edmund and witnessed it with his own eyes. Without a moment to intervene, Madam had jumped. The river led into the Black Forest, a place so perilous that even a little drift could mean death.

Alec had barely managed to hold Edmund back. But he couldn’t stop him from drowning himself in drink.

Benjamin sighed and knocked on the door.

“Your Excellency, may I co–”

Before he could finish, the door swung open.

Benjamin flinched. He’d expected to find Edmund passed out on the sofa, drunk and reeking of smoke and liquor.

“Your Excellency?”

“Why did you bring wine?”

The man standing there was completely composed.

There was no smell of alcohol or tobacco. Edmund looked as pristine as ever, and he frowned at the wine Benjamin held.

“I called you because I have questions.”

Blinking in disbelief, Benjamin quickly set the wine down in the hall and stepped into the office.

Just half a day ago, the room had been littered with empty bottles. Now, it was tidy and back to its usual order.

Edmund sat at his desk. One side was stacked with completed documents. He set down the file he’d just signed and turned to Benjamin.

“Come closer.”

“Ah, y-yes.”

“Where is Olga?”

“…She’s in the basement.”

“The results of the interrogation?”

“She was found to have been brainwashed long ago.”

To break Olga’s brainwashing, they needed to find the sorcerer who had cursed her. But so far, there wasn’t even a hint.

“And Nick?”

“We’ve lost contact. Shall I try again?”

Edmund fiddled with his ring and shook his head.

“No. What about Damian? Is his condition worsening?”

“No change from a few days ago.”

Edmund rose from his seat.

Benjamin, sensing he was headed to see Damian, quickly moved aside. Just as Edmund passed by, Benjamin blurted out unintentionally:

“Are you… all right?”

Edmund froze.

“I’m fine.”

And with that, he walked away. All Benjamin could do was watch his retreating figure.

T/N: I’m getting lost. Can someone tell me where this is going?