I Sought Out the Tragedy's Scheming Mastermind

The reason why Crombell came to the capitol was clear.

To be recognized as the next emperor to stabilize the faltering empire.

At first, he appeared to be greatly loyal, but his real motive was greed.

It’s a mutiny to discuss the next emperor when the current emperor isn’t even dead.

He had solidified his right to succession with subtle words.

That is until Verkley reveals himself and forces him to surrender.

As Eliana was admiring Crombell’s veneer, she sensed a deep gaze.

Gabriel was watching Eliana closely.

Her gaze was persistent as if observing something.

When Eliana blinked and looked surprised, Gabriel turned away.

Then, Verkley acknowledged Gabriel in a languid voice.

“I’ve heard of your rumor.”

“I apologize for having disturbed Your Majesty’s ears.”

“You cured the eyes of a blind man.”

The hall settled down.

No one expected Verkley to directly mention the miracle where she revived the eyes of a blind man.

Gabriel confirmed calmly as the crowd quietened down.

“Yes.”

“Then you may cure my eyes too, of course.”

Hera’s lips twitched at Verkley’s words.

Mary’s eyes widened as she stared at Gabriel.

There seemed to be no other hidden intention in her eyes.

She was just accepting the situation as it is.

On the other hand, everyone else remained silent.

Gabriel blinked slowly and asked a confusing question.

“Your Majesty really wishes to revive your sight?”

This time, the crowd began murmuring.

She questioned the emperor while standing tall.

Even with Verkley’s status being so low, she could suffer punishment.

But no one pointed out Gabriel’s rudeness.

Amid the slight mutters, Verkley smirked.

“You ask the obvious. There’s nothing more desperate for a blind man than recuperating his sight.”

“…” 

“I only want to reclaim what was originally mine.”

There was no anger in Verkley’s voice. A gentle charm. It was still an attentive tone.

Gabriel said, “I have a request. A condition in return for giving back your sight.”

“A request… Tell me.”

When Verkley encouraged her to continue, Gabriel announced,

“I want to stay in the Imperial Palace for the time being.”

“That‘s impossible.” Hera retorted before Gabriel could even finish.

Crombell, who was beside Gabriel, spoke up when Hera interjected.

“If it violates the law, she can stay at the temple inside the palace as a priest.”

“But Your Highness, the saintess’ request is too sudden. I haven’t even had the chance to confirm her identity and history, and I believe it’s dangerous to let her into the palace.”

There was nothing wrong with Hera’s words.

As there have been constant incidents inside the palace recently, it was dangerous to let the saintess, an outsider, and an unknown woman, into the palace.

“There have been lots of unpleasant things transpiring in the palace recently…” Hera added in a concerned tone.

Crombell assured her with a grin. “You don’t have to worry about that, Empress Dowager.”

“Don’t worry? His Majesty’s safety is at stake here, of course, I must worry.”

Crombell continued as Hera argued in a fuss. 

“God will take responsibility.”

“Responsibility? What responsibility does he have?”

“It is God who delivered the saintess. If you are concerned that the saintess may harm His Majesty’s well-being, I’ll keep an eye on her during her stay.”

“Your Highness.”

When Hera chastised him sternly, Crombell received it with a smile.

“For the sake of God, please grant us permission.”

Hera kept a smile on her face as she stared at Crombell.

The two of them had fierce sparks in their eyes.

Eliana observed the situation with bated breath.

‘In the end, she intends to stay at the palace like this.’

The nobles next to Crombell also began to join in.

“The Grand Duke has a point. What could a mere woman do with the Grand Duke observing her?”

“There is nothing to worry about if the Grand Duke is with us.”

As the nobles spoke, all things seemed to go in his favor.

Eliana turned in Gabriel’s direction.

She appeared to be calmly waiting for her superiors’ decisions.

It was Verkley who stopped this seemingly endless argument.

“If my uncle stays, I can trust her. I accept the request of the saintess.”

“Your Majesty!”

“Thank you for considering my request, Your Majesty.”

When Verkley granted his permission, Hera shouted urgently.

Gabriel smiled gently and thanked him.

Crombell had a wolfish grin, and Hera kept her mouth shut.

But not before long, a smile spread over Hera’s face.

No sign of humiliation lingered.

Hera’s smile looked relaxed as if she had expected all of this.

Seeing that, Crombell’s face slightly hardened.

Mary, who was silent at the time, pitched in cheerfully. “I’ll help out, too.”

“…Mary?” Hera uttered in a somewhat embarrassed voice.

Mary giggled at Hera.

Her smile was meant to ease her mother’s concerns.

But Hera couldn’t form a smile.

Because if Mary intervenes here, things will get messy.

Mary suddenly expressing her opinion drove the situation in a slightly different direction, since she had always been quiet in public.

Eliana stole a glance at Mary.

Mary looked innocent. She wasn’t trying to conspire anything.

‘You’re changing step by step, Princess.’

With pride, the corners of Eliana’s lips lifted.

Mary smiled brightly and went on to say:

“Truthfully, I wanted to meet the saintess up close. If it’s not an issue, I’ll take responsibility in treating the saintess.”

“But…!” 

“Mary, if that is what you want, do it.”

Just as Hera was about to dissuade Mary, Verkley interrupted appropriately.

Mary’s face lit up even more when Verkley insinuated he respected her wishes.

Mary replied, overjoyed. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Hera’s head throbbed with Mary intervening.

Mary meddled in Hera’s plans to send Grand Duke Crombell and the saintess away at once.

‘How could she get involved like this? Then, even Mary could be put on the list of suspects when it comes to dealing with things…’

Hera hid her clenched fist in anxiousness.

As matters came to an end, Gabriel asked, “When should I revive Your Majesty’s sight? May I do it right now?”

“It’d be best to do it in the presence of many people.”

All eyes turned to Verkley with his unexpected answer.

Everyone thought he would command her to cure his eyes immediately.

Verkley spoke again.

“I already know of my reputation circulating the public. Since I’ve been blind for quite some time, it’d be better to conduct a ceremony.”

“If that’s what Your Majesty wants, this mother will plan a grand arrangement.”

“Very well.” 

When Hera offered to prepare, Verkley promptly agreed.

Eliana zeroed in on Verkley in bewilderment.

The performance will work out fine if you just got your sight back.

So she couldn’t figure out his intentions.

With only such questions left, the arrival of the saintess was a success.

10. A Change of Heart

“Why did you do that?”

After returning to their bedroom, Eliana asked with a confused expression.

Verkley replied lazily, loosening his neckwear. 

“What are you on about?”

“You postponed the miracle.”

“It isn’t a huge matter.”

Verkley removed his coat and handed it over to Eliana.

As Eliana took his clothes from the side, Verkley unbuttoned his shirt one by one and continued.

“I’m merely giving her a chance being that she’s desperate to kill me anyway.”

“You’ll pay dearly if you let your guard down like that,” Eliana grunted, and Verkley smirked.

He leaned forward slightly, staring straight at Eliana, and asked, 

“Why? Are you worried I might get injured?”

“…” 

Eliana held her breath as she watched Verkley approach suddenly.

Verkley’s long eyelashes descended majestically.

Shadowing his deep blue eyes, they studied Eliana.

It was still. As if the world had stopped.

Every time Verkley looked into her eyes, Eliana felt something strange.

As Eliana blinked and stayed speechless, Verkley lightly tapped her forehead and straightened.

“Scaredy-cat.”

“I am not a scaredy-cat.”

When Eliana rubbed her forehead and denied it, Verkley only shrugged.

‘Ugh, I don’t know how to react every time he does that.’

Eliana calmed her frightened heart by relieving her chest.

She was surprised by his sudden approach, but she felt thirsty for something like her stomach was burning.

Then, Verkley took off his shirt.

Eliana quickly turned around.

Rustle.

The fluttering of his clothes falling was in her ear.

The stimulation of the sound was so intense that Eliana twisted her eyes shut.

She wanted to tell him not to undress anywhere, but this is his bedroom, and he owned it.

Verkley spoke calmly, unaware of how Eliana felt.

“Just in case, say you’ll help Mary.”

“Are you making me a double spy?”

Eliana whirled back around in surprise.

Before she knew it, Verkley had changed into his undergarments, placed a hand on her shoulder, and whispered…

T/N: Fun fact, we just moved onto Volume 3, starting at part 10!