[Chapter 251] The Demise of Megara

The execution of the prince's mistress sent shockwaves through the imperial capital, affecting both the nobility and the common populace. The affection the prince had for his beautiful and astute mistress was well-known, as was the potential she had exhibited until her recent downfall.

Even the sensationalist tabloids, which had consistently blamed her for the prince's indiscretions, were caught off guard and began to reevaluate the circumstances. They had previously argued that the prince should liberate himself from her influence, yet the abruptness of the event left them questioning their stance.

The broader context of the situation was unexpectedly illuminated by the Islaini Count family. Lady Alecto Islaini, grieving the loss of her dear friend from their academy days, disclosed the "truth" regarding the prince's former gambling addiction.

She claimed that the young duke had been "unfairly" accused of deceiving the prince, while the true "culprit" who had lured him into the gambling den had been deceitfully portraying herself as a victim all along.

The astute Lady Alecto did not hesitate to mention how this unscrupulous individual had previously brought misfortune to many of her peers during their school years. With the only reports from the front lines being of death and defeat, the public became engrossed in this captivating narrative.

Within a mere ten days, the infamous villainess found herself on the gallows. There was no formal trial, yet no one raised an objection. Instead, they engaged in gossip for days, reflecting on how the former Viscountess, who had allegedly ensnared the prince, was ultimately no different from a common thief as she faced execution.

As the news of the young Viscount's ascension to the title of Duke of Ricanthros faded into obscurity, Nellusion Elandria emerged as the prince's sole trusted confidante.

****

"So… Megara."

Neris averted her gaze upon receiving the news from Talprin. 

Her expression did not convey any sense of relief, resembling that of someone who had just learned of the passing of a lifelong tormentor. Since Dora was unaware of Neris's history, she had not anticipated such a lack of liberation; however, she still hoped for a more definitive display of emotion than the vague grimace currently on Neris's face, prompting her to tilt her head in perplexity.

"Is there something troubling you, Madam?"

"No... it is not that. I have simply come to understand that the love Abelus described was nothing extraordinary."

Ah, is that so. Dora pondered the reason behind Madam's concern, yet she endeavored to express her agreement.

"If the prince genuinely loved and valued that woman, he would not have taken her as his mistress in the first place. He is certainly old enough to realize that having a woman who cannot be formally married will only bring her pain."

Neris's eyes widened at Dora's remarks. Her lips parted as if to respond, but no words emerged.

After a brief pause, a bitter smile replaced her intended retort.

"You are correct upon reflection. Some individuals remain oblivious to such basic truths and endure unnecessary suffering for far too long."

"Did that woman not become the prince's mistress only a few months ago? Yet, in that short span, she lost her father, her family's wealth, and ultimately her life, which may have felt like an eternity to her."

"Yes, that is likely the case."

Neris did not mourn Megara's passing. Although she had intervened to some extent, the wrongdoings were ultimately Megara's own.

Nevertheless, she felt no joy regarding the girl's death either. Not anymore.

She felt indifferent.

The significance of the marker denoting the Maindelant army on the expansive map displayed in the conference room had increased considerably. Neris directed her attention towards it, her demeanor becoming icy.

"With Nellusion now in command, the imperial army will operate with greater cunning than before. The name 'Elandria' pales in comparison to 'Ricanthros,' which will undoubtedly lead many noble families to offer their support."

The Duke Gruenehals faction is also expected to show increased cooperation.

"Indeed, Madam."

Neris picked up a gold coin that had been carelessly left beside the map and positioned it over the imperial capital.

"Since his arrival in the imperial capital, Sir Joyce has not undertaken any significant actions. He has effectively surrendered to the imperial family under the guise of searching for Diane, aiming to lower their defenses. Reports indicate that Abelus has insisted on utilizing the McKinnon Trading Company's distribution network for military supplies, correct? Nellusion is likely to adopt a more meticulous approach."

He will contend that, given Diane's lack of response to Abelus's absurd enlistment order, Joyce should assume her role. Neris was confident in her understanding of Nellusion's mindset, more so than anyone else in the imperial capital.

To ensure that the McKinnon family does not adopt an ambiguous position, utilizing the distribution network of the trading company for military purposes serves as a means of exerting force against the McKinnon family.

The distribution network of each trading company is the result of years of careful development. In isolated mountain villages lacking roads, they have cleared trees and constructed pathways, navigating existing routes until they identify the most effective ways to utilize them. Consequently, a considerable amount of this information is classified and confidential.

Employing these routes for military objectives transcends mere collaboration; it constitutes an appropriation of the valuable assets that the McKinnon Trading Company has painstakingly built over time. The transportation of military supplies is among the most sensitive matters of state and should remain undisclosed to commercial entities.

With a decisive motion, her slender fingers pushed the gold coin forward, indicating that her decision was resolute and devoid of any doubt.

"The nobles in the imperial capital, driven by their pride, will not permit Sir Joyce to be assigned to a position where he could easily gain military accolades. It is highly likely that he will be placed in a remote location, albeit one that can be observed by Abelus's trusted associates. Indeed, it will begin with areas closest to the imperial capital, right here."

The gold coin came to a halt once.

"Perhaps here."

The coin shifted once more, coming to rest in a new location.

"Or possibly here. I am not a military specialist, so I will need to consult my husband for verification. Given his current whereabouts, he is likely to encounter the imperial family's secret base shortly. He will be preoccupied, so I should prioritize how to circumvent that situation."

The gold coin came to a final stop.

Not an expert? This was atypical for the devoted Dora, yet she found her beloved mistress's remarks to be absurd.

Neris was not directly engaged in the strategic planning of military operations for this conflict. Nevertheless, the insights she offered, grounded in her profound contemplation and extensive knowledge, warranted attention.

As she surveyed the three locations she had indicated, Neris let out a cold laugh.

"Sir Joyce will need to enlist and command the troops for a time. However, it is acceptable as long as he is not deployed to the front lines. This aligns with our strategy. It would be preferable for the McKinnon family to be overlooked, as they are merely affluent."

It was crucial to prevent Joyce from being excessively protected by the imperial family. Wasn't Diane still lurking somewhere near the imperial capital?

"Dora, summon Joan. We must demonstrate to those who disregard wealth whether they can even obtain a drop of water without it."

"Yes, Madam."

Dora hurried out of the room. As Neris observed her departure, she suddenly felt a wave of dizziness and grasped the table for support.

The sensation of dizziness faded quickly.

'Could it be due to my recent lack of sleep?'

With Cledwyn absent, she found herself residing in the West Palace for the first time since their marriage. It felt peculiar to sleep alone in the bed they had once shared.

However, the sense of peculiarity persisted despite the fact that they were now in separate beds. No matter how she positioned herself, discomfort lingered... Consequently, she had been restless for an extended period, falling asleep late and rising early to attend to her duties.

"There is no room for weakness."

With Cledwyn away, Neris had become the sole mistress of this expansive duchy. Furthermore, she could not afford to burden others during a war that threatened the very fate of the land. It was crucial for her to maintain her health and rest, as a sudden collapse during this critical time would be detrimental.

Neris inhaled deeply and straightened her posture. As she heard Joan's footsteps approaching, she began to enumerate the names of the minor lords whose supplies she could swiftly cut off with financial resources.

****

Abelus expressed his astonishment upon reviewing the financial report of the imperial army presented by Nellusion. 

Following Megara's passing, he had experienced a period of demotivation, merely existing without purpose. However, the presence of numerous individuals around him prevented him from succumbing to solitude or excessive contemplation during the conflict he had initiated.

Ultimately, Abelus swiftly resumed his responsibilities, motivated by the support and encouragement of those around him, along with a straightforward mindset. He appointed Nellusion as his new advisor.

"Indeed. As you are aware, the army incurs significant expenses merely by its presence," Nellusion replied adeptly.

"Did not Your Majesty enlist a substantial number of soldiers from the families of this year's academy graduates? The size of the imperial army is expanding, leading to escalating costs daily."

"Isn't that common knowledge? Shouldn't it be the ministers' responsibility to address this issue?" 

Such a notion seemed implausible to him, yet Nellusion refrained from challenging Abelus's unreasonable grievance.

Nellusion was acutely aware of the situation. Although he appeared to have regained Abelus's trust, the relationship between them, as lord and servant, had been irreparably damaged. It could never return to its former state.

The rigged gambling incident at the club had been attributed to the Duke, which was acceptable. However, the accusation of slandering the royal family could not be laid at the Duke's feet, necessitating that Nellusion accept a portion of the blame. Alecto Islaini had seemingly orchestrated the narrative to implicate Megara, yet Abelus was unlikely to be entirely oblivious.

He would certainly recognize that Megara could not have led the esteemed Princess Caymil into such a dire predicament without Nellusion's considerable influence.

The legal department muttered something along the lines of "all the unfortunate events were that woman's doing," but the court had long since abandoned strictness. Anything Abelus required was extracted and utilized, and if it proved burdensome, it was easily discarded with any pretext.

Consequently, an awkward tension lingered between Abelus and Nellusion, reminiscent of the unspoken understanding that exists between two individuals who are aware of a shared truth yet choose to remain silent. Nellusion endeavored to project an unwavering confidence in the prince's decisions, hoping to prevent this discomfort from becoming "burdensome" in Abelus's perception.

Thus, Nellusion offered a gentle smile to Abelus, as if they were still fellow students.

"I was just about to bring this up. First, what do you think about enlisting Joyce McKinnon, who is currently in the imperial capital?"

Viscount McKinnon? Indeed, that would be advantageous. He possesses considerable wealth, which enables him to provide sustenance for the soldiers under his command.

Joyce's decision to enlist was made as effortlessly as agreeing to share a cup of tea. Abelus inquired with a somewhat eased demeanor.

"You mentioned 'first,' implying there is a second?"

"Certainly. Given that the imperial family is currently engaged in a significant endeavor, would it not be prudent for the royal elders, even those from collateral branches, to take the initiative?"

Abelus had contemplated this as well. The collateral branches of the royal family were often either financially constrained or had volatile temperaments, rendering them unsuitable for his purposes. Additionally, it was preferable to utilize the resources of the nobility rather than those of the royal family.