Chapter 1.1

Chapter 1.1

“Hear ye, hear ye! The Triumphal Arc is finally approved!” shouted a newspaper boy, waving the stack in his hand.

People swarmed like ants to sugar water. Mixing among the bustling crowd, Eileen also bought the boy’s newspaper, handing him a coin.

Printed on the cheap paper was a headline that stood out:

[Approval for the Construction of the Triumphal Arc Granted in Today’s Council… A True Victory for the Empire]

Master of the prosperous Erzjet, the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Army, the Emperor’s only brother— Duke Chezare Traon Karl Erzet.

He was the most renowned figure in the Traon Empire. Three years ago, following a fierce battle for succession, Chezare personally seated his brother on the throne and was bestowed the title of Duke himself.

Shortly thereafter, he set out to conquer the Kingdom of Calpen and, after three years of intense battles, achieved a remarkable victory just recently. The people of the Empire rejoiced and poured onto the streets at news of the Duke’s victory.

Upon his return from war, Chezare turned the Council upside down. He demanded the construction of the Triumphal Arc to commemorate his victory.

The Council vehemently opposed him. They declared it utterly impossible and outrageously arrogant for him to demand such a monument that not even the Emperor possessed.

With Chezare’s astonishing victory, his reputation had soared to the heavens. Allowing the construction of the archway would be akin to proclaiming the glory of the royal family to the entire world. The aristocratic council members were irreconciled to concede to such a demand.

In defiance, Chezare erected a tent near the capital. He made it clear that he and his followers would not enter until the council surrendered.

After months of standoff, today the Council finally surrendered.

“It should have been done sooner. Nevertheless, I suppose it’s fortunate we’ll have the victory celebration during the social season.”

“Indeed. Which young lady from which family will become the Duchess?”

Eileen adjusted her sliding glasses as she listened to the murmurs of the crowd. Her unruly bangs kept poking her eyes.

It was the height of the social season. Unmarried young ladies diligently attended various balls and tea parties in search of suitors. However, it was a world away from Eileen, who had yet to debut in society.

“I wonder who the Duchess will be…”

But delving into such fanciful thoughts was a distraction from the piles of work awaiting her. Eileen shook her head to dispel the pointless musings.

She tucked the newspaper under her arm and resumed her brisk pace. In the distance, she could see a small inn. Though modest and worn, the second-floor room at the tidy inn was where Eileen conducted her research.

As she approached the inn, Eileen sensed an atmosphere. The lively streets were eerily quiet. Normally, children would be frolicking around at this time, but there was no one in sight.

Carefully surveying her surroundings, Eileen noticed that all the windows of the houses were tightly shut. It was still early summer, but the afternoon heat was particularly intense. Everyone usually kept their doors wide open…

The sight of the firmly shut windows and doors seemed ominous. Eileen simply shrugged and quickened her pace. Although she didn’t know what was happening, her instinct was to flee to her research lab.

However, as Eileen’s hurried footsteps brought her closer to the inn, they gradually slowed down. There were men in uniforms standing in front of the inn building… Like shadows stained under the midday sun. They were the Duke’s subordinates.

At the forefront of the armed soldiers, she recognized a familiar face. The man with a massive build had half of his face covered in burn scars.

“Miss Eileen.”

The man saluted Eileen crisply.

“I…Is that you, Captain Lotan?”

Although she was glad to see someone she hadn’t met in a long time, she was too flustered to speak properly. Sensing her confusion, Lotan politely opened the door.

“His Excellency is waiting for you.”
It was a gentle yet firm command. Without hesitation, Eileen was pushed into the inn.

It was empty inside. It should have been bustling with guests and filled with the aroma of food. The sight of empty tables and chairs was eerie. Passing through the deserted first floor where even the owner was absent, Eileen slowly climbed up the wooden stairs.

The second floor was just as desolate. Without even bothering to open the closed doors, she could tell that they would be completely empty.

Walking to the farthest room, she took a deep breath and looked at the doorknob. The door, with its rusty brass handle, was slightly ajar.