For so long, I had speculated that father desired power far beyond that of a Marquis of the South. His greed had led him to covet the imperial power and become a sovereign ruler over the Empire.
Having a theory and it being confirmed to be a fact, were two different things. I had an ominous feeling about the whole situation.
Many people before have attempted to rebel against the imperial family, and of course failed. Far more formidable forces than a few nobles in the South. Amongst all other parts of the Empire, the South was the least powerful in politics and manpower.
So, what made Duke Belv and Marquis Deor so confident in success? I felt like I subconsciously knew the answer.
Father set down his utensils. His appetite seemed to have vanished with the topic of power.
"The people don't trust a Crown Prince they don't know. The Emperor is weak and dying. Ministers are in a tussle of power. Very soon, once the time is right, we will strike"
He laughed happily as if the Crown of Emperor already rested upon his head.
"And who is the 'we' you refer to?" I asked. In all honesty, the two men had aroused my interest with their plan.
Father laughed lowly. He seemed delighted to answer my question.
"We are the rebel forces. An agency of great minded people who want nothing more than the progress of our lovely Empire"
I almost rolled my eyes at father's overly righteous speech. Who was he kidding? He didn't care about the Empire. Obviously, all he wanted was the power.
Duke Belv took over from were father stopped. "The people of the South have been looked down on for so long"
The Duke went on and on about the glorious future of the South. About how prosperous it would be. So great that political and business activities would be focused here.
The concept sounded intriguing but too good to be true. Even if it were possible, it didn't matter to me.
All I wanted was a glorious future for myself. Truthfully, the South which was my supposed homeland didn't matter to me. And I was sure, father and the Duke shared similar thoughts.
Just from one look, I could tell the Duke was as power hungry as I was.
Their proposition to me was more important than the so called prosperity of the South. I interrupted the Duke's passionate speech, annoyance slowly building up in me as he wasted time.
"I understand you aim to take the crown, but again I ask, how do I come in?"
The Duke exchanged looks with father. A conversation with their eyes ensued before the Duke said.
"Ah of course. The Belv Duchy is an important tool in our victory against the imperial family. It needs to be managed by a worthy figure"
"And who else is worthy to be the 'heir of Belv', except my amazing daughter who possesses the power of hypnosis?"
Father gave a smug smile which I rolled my eyes at. Skepticism about whether the two before me were in their right senses came to mind as they referred to me as the 'heir of Belv'.
With an eyebrow raised, I questioned the Duke. "What about Ronald?"
Previously I had described the Duke as hard to read because of the difference between his calm expression and cunning words. But in that moment as he replied to me, he completely revealed his nature — an old vile man.
"It's unfortunate for me to say, but my son doesn't exactly have what it takes to be my successor"
He berated Ronald while shaking his head. The hate and discontent he displayed towards the topic made it hard to believe he was talking about his own son.
"I want you to control the Belv resources in my absence. After marrying Ronald, and producing an heir, I'll make sure to dispose of my useless son. I assure you that the household will be completely yours"
It was then that the most evil smile appeared on Duke Belv's face. He was a man who only saw his son as a tool. But I wasn't going to give a lecture on family relationships, all I needed was information.
"Is that all? You want me to manage the Belv Duchy? I'm sure the Duke could find many other skilled people to do it"
"You're as smart as I heard. It's not just because of your quick wittedness that I want you as my successor. It's because of your blood"
"As in my noble heritage?"
"Well it's because of the power possessed by those of your lineage. I've done a lot of research and tests which has led me to believe an exceptional power possessing child will be created between Ronald and you. This child's existence will help us to solidify our position as rulers of the Empire"
Perhaps it was due to my nervousness, but my heart began to beat rapidly. All that rang in my head was the Duke's words of 'power possession'. Was I already a step closer to finding out if the Belv Duchy had access to magic?
Father's boring speech made me snap out of my thoughts.
"Probably in a few weeks, the Crown Prince will debut. The Crown Princess selection will follow. After the Crown Princess selection is over, the coronation of the Crown Prince will likely take place. By the time Nathaniel is proclaimed as Emperor, the seeds we have been planting over the years would have come to fruition"
I quickly cut in. "And what are these seeds you've been sowing?"
Father answered sharply. "I'm afraid we can't answer that question now. Ask something else"
This time, I turned to the Duke to ask my question. "Hmm. Other rebel groups have been recorded in the lengthy history of our Empire. What makes you so sure you will succeed?"
As I questioned the Duke, I also wanted to add. 'Is it that you have access to magic?' but that wasn't an appropriate question.
The Duke's voice went low, and in an almost whisper. "We've seen the future"
It was such a ridiculous answer, not what I wanted to hear.
"How so?"
Angrily father banged his fist on the table. "Stop asking questions and accept already!"
He glared at me, his patience had seemed to run out.
"Tsk. Marquis, I'm still talking with Lady Adrianna. It's improper to interrupt in such a way"
Father glared at the Duke with anger and discontent, but he quickly controlled his expression. However, I had already taken note of the way he pursed his lips and frowned at the Duke.
He felt unpleasant. Probably by the way how the Duke acted like the leader.
I barely held back the ends of my mouth from forming into a smirk. Father quietly mellowed down at the Duke's words. It seemed that my father was being overpowered by the Duke. How interesting...
"Duke, you said you've 'seen the future'. Could you kindly explain?"
"Let's say, we know everything happening in the palace. And we have some help there"
Truly, I wondered if the world I lived in was the novel I had read. But there was no doubt.
Now I thought about how of the plot I had changed after reincarnating; Seeing that a rebellion would take place. Such an event had never surfaced or occurred in the plot. I was very sure.
Alas, the knowledge of the novel has helped me to such an extent, that it's best not to rely on it totally.
More than once, I wondered if I were the only one reborn into this novel world. Or was it that my first life was nothing but a dream? Sometimes it did feel so with memories from my first life being so distant.
The Duke and father had their eyes on me, waiting for my reply. Duke Belv looked patient, as if he could wait a whole month before I spoke up, while father was on the verge of banging his fist on the table again and shouting.
Finally, I decided to speak up after much contemplation.
"All you have said sounds rather interesting, but am I really that important?"
The Duke gave me a kind smile. "Of course. You are an important piece in our plan"
I quickly asked another question. "But what if I decide not to work with you?"
The Duke's kind smile morphed into a vile grin. He looked me directly in the eye.
"Then I'm afraid I'll have to get rid of you once we usurp the imperial power. We can't have someone like you who once doubted us, to live"
"Why not get rid of me before the rebellion?"
"Then you wouldn't see our success. I'd prefer for my enemy to live and see me shine, then kill them once I'm fully in the spotlight"
I considered the offer. It wouldn't be wise to go against people who had magic and probably other tricks. Taking over the Belv Duchy would also give me unimaginable power…..
An image of a pair of silver eyes gazing at me sullenly, flashed through my mind. The bitter smile that formed on my face was a reflection of how I felt.
'What would Nathan do if he found out?'
Far away in the North, Nathan was probably trying to alleviate the symptoms of his curse, which had only been grown due to my selfish actions.
Mentally, images of the time we spent together growing beside each other in this world, played in my head.
Why was I hesitating? Even in my first life, romance had never been my first priority. In this life, iI had vowed that it was my interest before anyone else's.
Maybe it was the best. Should I just let Nathan get married to Paisley? That way, his curse would be cured completely.
I shook my head. No. Nobody was taking what was mine. And Nathan was mine. But on the other hand, an alliance with the Duke could be beneficial They do say keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Poor Nathan. He should have never fallen in love with someone as self centered as me. Here I was, considering to marry another man and join hands with my supposed enemy, if it were at my advantage.
Nathan's unwavering love for me was poorly repaid with my attitude of selfishness.
Sometimes, I wondered if I were any different from the egocentric Adrianna from the story, who had often put her interests above other people's well-being.
Maybe I was slightly more selfish than her, seeing as I had almost forgotten about the existence of my mother, Harper and Henry while I romped around in a game for my own power.
At least Adrianna from the novel was actually in love with Nathan. Not crazily obsessed with him because of his worth as the Crown Prince.
I sighed. The offer made my Duke Belv was rather tempting. If I accepted, what did I have to loose? Nothing really. Eventually I could just betray father and the Duke then take the throne for myself.
After all, being seated on the throne was my ultimate goal.
"So what do you say Lady Adrianna? Are you going to stand against us, or join us and be on the winning side?"