I’d practically forced him to meet with me by concealing my identity. Worst-case scenario, he’d instantly point his sword at me for breaking into the embassy. If that happened, I wouldn’t be able to complain.
“It’s been far too long, Lord Lucas,” I said, seizing the opportunity. “I’m Elizabeth from House Leiston.”
“I-Indeed, l-long time no see, Lady Elizabeth,” he said hesitantly.
“Forgive me for concealing my identity to see you. I hope you can pardon me.”
In high society, admitting your faults meant putting yourself in a position of weakness. Had this been a negotiation, the Yutear Empire would have had a field day and made the boldest demands.
For that reason, I apologized while Lucas was still confused. As long as he didn’t overthink it, there was only one proper reaction for him—a cultured gentleman—to have when faced with a young lady’s sincere apology.
“Well, I... Hmm... I understand the circumstances that forced you to act this way. Let’s put this behind us, my lady,” replied Lucas.
“I am most thankful for your generosity, my lord.”
Lucas had forgiven me without getting ahead in the negotiations. A more cunning aristocrat would have set my apology aside and started probing to know what I wanted. I’d expected as much from a young noble like him, but Lucas’s reaction showed he was still green. No takebacks existed in our world. Should he retract later, it would hinder his honor.
I’d played my cards correctly. Bowing my head was well worth it if I could avoid tangible losses. I didn’t need to worry about my dignity as a future ruler, so I had no reason to allow meaningless pride to impede me.
“So, Lady Elizabeth,” Lucas started. “Could you tell me why you’re visiting me at such an hour? Besides, aren’t you supposed to be in jail?”
He had calmed down but had yet to notice that he wasted a card he could have used against me.
I hid my real intentions behind a smile and said, “I’m here because I would appreciate being granted asylum in the empire.”
Lucas naturally froze. I was the daughter of a duke, not some soldier or insignificant noblewoman, and had a hand in government affairs. The latter was information not known to the public. Still, I had no doubt the empire’s spies knew about my involvement in politics.
After a long pause, he finally answered, “A-Are you...being serious?”
“As serious as can be.”
“While I agree that Prince Friede’s conduct at the party was...disgraceful, the king and your father will return soon. They’ll discipline him and place you back in your position.”
“They will. The king would never let the crown prince pick that woman over me. My issue is that my patience has reached its limits, and I can no longer tolerate their irresponsibility. I intend to leave the Kingdom of Haldoria and put all my energy into taking revenge.”
“Y-You want to take revenge?!”
“Indeed,” I confirmed. “You must have heard the dreadful rumors that are spreading about me, Lord Lucas.”
“I suppose I have...”
“Then, don’t you think asking me to forget about all this and still dedicate myself to this country would be too much?”
Lucas stared at me, unable to answer.
“I will get my revenge,” I said again, “and I’ll crush this damned country with my own two hands.”
“Huh?!” cried out Lucas for the umpteenth, looking dumbfounded. “I’m sure you realize your actions will affect the citizens, knowing how much you’ve done for them. Can you truly bear to hurt them?”
“You’re right. I am directing my anger at the prince, the king, the duke, and the other ministers. Oh, and Robert. As you said, the citizens of this kingdom will get caught up in this and face irreparable harm.”
Lucas remained silent.
“However, I fail to see how that’s my problem.”
“What?”
“As a noblewoman, I have a duty to the people,” I said. “And yet, the very people I devoted my life to betrayed and threw me out like a rag. Once I surrender my title, I shall bid farewell to the duties accompanying it. I have no intention to hurt the masses, but I will not make an effort to protect them.”
“I-I see...” answered Lucas, a bit unnerved.
“So, would you grant me asylum?”
“Well...” he said, resting his chin on his hand.
“I’m not asking for any kind of leadership role,” I insisted. “Simply allowing me to seek refuge in your territory would be more than enough.”
“Why did you choose the empire?” he asked with a brief pause. “Even though our nations pretend to be friendly, we’re basically enemies. Wouldn’t you have more freedom in another country? Or better yet, on another continent?”
“That is a fair point, Lord Lucas. I doubt I can live as I please in the Yutear Empire. But I would like to reiterate that my goal isn’t to flee and live in peace. Rather, I want to get even with those who have wronged me.”
I paused before continuing.
“The Kingdom of Haldoria is a strong nation, even with a foolish king who only reveals his true self in war. His army is powerful, with plenty of competent individuals in the administration—starting with the duke. Though I’m fairly strong, I cannot challenge such an opponent alone.”
“Does that mean you want the military backing of the empire?” asked Lucas, narrowing his eyes.
His mana suddenly erupted, turning into sharp thorns. Mireille instantly prepared for combat, and I stopped her with one hand.
I smiled at Lucas, then related, “I may intend to rely on the empire’s strength but will not discard it like a tool when I see fit. What I offer is a mutually beneficial relationship. I’ll crush the kingdom and offer the spoils of war and glory to the empire in exchange for its help. I believe we’ll all benefit from this arrangement.”
“You have a gift for making enticing proposals,” Lucas said.
“Certainly, I do,” I answered. “Still, I assure you I meant every single word. The Yutear Empire is the only nation that rivals the Kingdom of Haldoria, thus it is the best partner I could dream of.”
“I see...”
“I’ll make sure you also benefit from our collaboration, Lord Lucas,” I added with a smile.
Lucas banished his mana and sighed.
“All right,” he said. “I’ll allow you to join our side. But you must understand I cannot immediately take you to the imperial capital. You won’t be free to wander as you please, and you must remain in my territory on the border until I finish monitoring you. Do you accept those terms?”
“Of course. That is fine by me.”
I never expected him to let a central figure of Haldoria’s government roam free in the imperial capital out of the blue. That was enough for now. I had to earn Lucas’s trust, one step at a time.
“To a most fruitful collaboration,” I declared, grinning.