Chapter 246 – You’re Different From The Empress (2)

At the same time, Ophelia had summoned a meeting of her closest followers. She sat in the highest seat in the room like an emperor, with Cesare standing by her side. The nobles gathered there were lined up before the two, and the scene was reminiscent of a discussion of state affairs.

“Your Majesty. With all due respect, is it true that the Second Prince is in custody for drug charges?”

Although Ophelia attempted to hide that information long as possible, she could not cover everyone’s eyes and ears. She had intended to retrieve Redfield before rumors spread, but the effort had stalled because of Elena’s dinner party. The Empress knew she would be faced with difficult questions from the nobles.

‘Just like hyenas…’

While some gathered before her were unfailingly loyal, most of the nobles’ allegiances were more fleeting. However, there was only one reason why they continued to support Ophelia—she still wielded immense power. When rumors spread that Redfield was held captive, they wanted to ascertain the truth of it.

Ophelia may try to stop the spread of rumors, but even she could not hide it from those who knew the truth. It was better to clarify the situation rather than cause further anxiety, and she kept an expression of tranquil calm as she answered.

“Yes. Redfield is currently in the Crown Prince’s palace.”

A stunned murmuring suddenly broke out from the nobles. Cesare yelled at them in a loud voice.

“Silence! You are before Her Majesty the Empress!”

A silence fell over the room. Ophelia continued with a smile gracing her lips.

“You all know that the Emperor is gravely ill. This is Prince Carlisle’s attempt to take over the throne.”

One of the nobles spoke up.

“So Second Prince Redfield is not under suspicion of drug use?”

“Whether or not that is true is irrelevant. Why would Prince Carlisle keep Redfield in custody without officially processing the case?

It is because he is attempting to undermine Redfield.”

Ophelia neatly evaded the facts and slowly set about stirring up the nobles. The nobles started murmuring again, this time with the expected response.

“Isn’t that severe?”

“We need to recover the Second Prince now.”

Ophelia observed them, and spoke again at the right time.

“I’m sure you’re knowledgeable about the dictatorships the Empire has suffered under. From this incident, can you imagine what would happen if Crown Prince Carlisle took the throne?”

The nobles hadn’t forgotten that many of the previous emperors had written history in blood.

“If Prince of Carlisle becomes emperor, what would he do first? Perhaps many of you here would not survive.”

“…!”

Everyone turned pale. Ophelia declared it openly—it was too late to change ships. The nobles who had heard her speak no longer wondered about the stories of drugs, and their focus now was only saving Redfield.

Judging that the atmosphere was ripe at least, Ophelia said what she ultimately wanted to say.

“We must protest to His Majesty the Emperor, and have him stop the atrocities being committed by Crown Prince Carlisle. Even if Redfield is guilty, justice should be administered fairly. It is against Imperial law that he be imprisoned in a private space.”

Ophelia’s words were true, but she also made sure to bribe all the judges as well. When Redfield’s release was secured and he was placed under formal investigation, everyone in the system would already be working for Ophelia. Then Carlisle could never reveal the truth. Carlisle keeping Redfield contained would only worsen opinion against him, and doubt would shift from Ophelia to Carlisle.

The nobles, now convinced by Ophelia, were eager to bring their protests to Emperor Sullivan.

“As soon as I leave, I will tell the Emperor to have the Second Prince released.”

“The Crown Prince should be punished for not following the law. This is not the way things are done.”

This was exactly the reaction Ophelia was aiming for. Now Carlisle would find himself trapped.

‘What are you going to do now, Prince Carlisle?’

Ophelia raised her lips in a victorious smile.