I Sought Out the Tragedy’s Scheming Mastermind

ld not stand against the famous marquis.

“Yes, a waste of a mistress,” Verkley smirked, agreeing with Valkyrie.

Eliana’s heart sank.

Never in her wildest dreams did she think that Verkley would agree.

It felt like thorns pushing against her stinging heart.

Marquis Valkyrie’s eyes widened as if he hadn’t expected that.

Suddenly, a gentle smile pulled at the marquis’ mouth.
It was a blatant sneer.

Eliana stared at Verkley in disbelief.

Feeling her gaze, Verkley turned his head.

Eliana’s eyes shook violently, and his face grew closer and closer.

A second later, his lips lightly touched Eliana’s forehead before he moved away.

“…Your Majesty?” Marquis Valkyrie said, wondering what he was doing.

Eliana was also confused.

In front of the two, Verkley had a peaceful look on his face as he murmured,

“Eliana is going to be my empress.
I’d like you to have some respect.”

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“Huh?” Eliana exclaimed, startled.

“T-That!” Valkyrie shouted.

Eliana was so shocked it was as if she’d been hit by something.

She didn’t expect his words “a waste of a mistress” to mean this.

She was upset just a few moments ago, believing he was degrading her, but now she was embarrassed to see him lifting her so high.

Eliana never wanted the position of empress.
She just wanted to live a long, simple life.

Besides, the empress’s position was obviously a thorny path.

While Eliana stiffened, Verkley continued.

“So, if another rumor spreads, you clarify it.
She is not my mistress.
She is to become my empress.”

“…” 

“If I hear the same rumors again, I’ll believe you have neglected my wishes.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Marquis Valkyrie replied, frowning heavily.

His expression told her that he’d been talking about the rumors but didn’t know who spread them.

If similar rumors circulated after this incident, it’d be the fault of Marquis Valkyrie.

Eliana’s lips twitched as she watched the entire interaction.

It was satisfying watching Marquis Valkyrie alternatively turn between pale and red.

Marquis Valkyrie sharply glanced at Eliana’s twitching mouth and coughed.

Of course, Eliana quickly schooled her expression.

It would seem Marquis Valkyrie did not like to be humiliated.

‘The Empress!’ 

This has never been mentioned before.

Eliana twisted her head up again to see what Verkley was thinking.

A satisfied smile hung on his lips.

On the contrary, Eliana’s expression gradually darkened.

She was just trying to placate Verkley so that he wouldn’t kill her.

‘I didn’t expect a great position like the empress…’

The most worrisome thing now is that Hera won’t accept this.

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Eliana whispered so quietly that Marquis Valkyrie could not hear her.

“Are you serious?”

“Does it look like I’m joking?” Verkley whispered back with a smirk.

From the look on his face, it didn’t seem like he was saying it to avoid the situation.

She shut her mouth and got lost in her thoughts.

Verkley fully turned his head toward Eliana.

Even though his eyes were out of focus, his clingy gaze seemed to be filled with all sorts of emotions.

His face drew nearer by the second, and he whispered in her ear.

“Why are you so surprised? You were the one who said you’d stay by my side.”

His voice was so flat that Eliana shuddered without realizing it.

Verkley chuckled at her.

It was true.
She did ask to stay by his side, but not like this.

She didn’t even know this was what he meant when he told her to stay next to him.

Eliana stood blankly, with no answer to his question.

She was just trying to not be killed by the scheming mastermind…

Eliana smiled awkwardly and blinked.

How should she overcome this difficulty?

She dodged his gaze.

The hand touching her shoulder was so cold that her body kept trembling.

“I’ve caused you much trouble.
Then, I’ll return to my seat.” Marquis Valkyrie spoke in a stiff tone and scurried away.

Eliana wriggled her fingers, not paying him any mind.

Then after a while, she clasped her hands together and spoke as if she’d remembered something.

“Ah, that’s right! The Princess had called for me.
I’ll be right back! See you at the banquet!”

Eliana quickly escaped from him with exaggerated gestures.

She was too embarrassed to be next to him.

Verkley silently watched Eliana as she moved away.

A gentle smile crept onto his lips.