The Concubine Does Not Love the Emperor - Chapter 7.1

The Orleans Duke was the younger brother of the king. Unlike his brother, he possessed a refined appearance along with a jovial and cheerful personality that endeared him to people. The brothers shared a strong bond, and the duke was more interested in social circles, such as hunting and attending parties than in politics.

Consequently, no one suspected him of harboring any ambitions for the throne. While the amiable younger brother was well-received, there were unfavorable rumors circulating about the king. Among them, the most damaging was the rumor concerning the heir. Unlike the duke, who had numerous offspring, the king had not managed to impregnate the queen even once, leading to rumors of infertility.

As he crossed the threshold of his forties, when rumors of even the queen reaching menopause began to circulate, the crown prince was born. However, contrary to expectations that the rumors would subside, more malicious whispers spread throughout the palace.

Whispers that the queen had birthed a child through a servant or had brought in a male child from elsewhere – unbelievable tales circulated as if they were truths. Yet, the distinctively strong jawline and the high-bridged nose, traits unique to the Berthe royal family, naturally quieted the rumors as people beheld the prince’s resemblance to the king.

Count Germain, the commander of the royal guard, uncovered the source of these rumors to be the Orleans Duke. This realization prompted the king to expedite the marriage of his son, the crown prince, to Caterina, the princess of the Elvino Kingdom.

“Search for the crown prince and his consort!”

“They couldn’t have gone far. Search every inch.”

The soldiers’ shouts echoed through the thin walls. The clanking sound of armor resounded each time they moved.

“To think that something like this would happen…”

“Lower your voices, Your Majesty. Until we descend underground, our sounds could still leak.”

At Marguerite’s low and firm words, the crown prince sealed his lips tightly. Caterina held onto her husband’s hand.

“Father would have been beside the king. How could this…!”

Margaret shook her head as if trying to dismiss the unsettling premonition that was pressing in. She had to gather her thoughts. In front of her were the people she needed to protect.

“Orleans Duke won’t be able to ascend to the throne. There’s no approval from the council or the church for rebellion.”

As they continued forward, the surroundings grew eerily quiet. A cold breeze swept through, causing the shadows cast by the candlelight to flicker uneasily.

“Master, we’re at a crossroads.”

Klein’s hushed voice resonated with a low tone. Ahead, the ceiling rose so high that it couldn’t be reached even with outstretched hands, and instead of walls, solid and cold rock surfaces were present.

Behind Klein, two pitch-dark caves resembling hollow eye sockets were visible.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

Margaret held the candle and meticulously examined the wall. Cold moisture rose up in her palm. Mosses were growing along the path where the moisture was leading.

“As expected, these two paths are traps. They’re meant to confuse the pursuing group.”

With the path right in front of her, Margaret felt along the wall. And then, she found what she had been searching for—a solid and smooth entrance.

“Klein.”

As Margaret called, Klein dashed over and pushed against the wall with force. She applied her strength as well. The wall that had stood firmly in place for years gave way with the sound of moss being torn, gradually shifting.

“It’s this way.”

Returning the wall to its original position was easy. Water had accumulated underfoot, creating a splashing sound as they walked. The space was narrow, making it tight for the crown prince and his wife to pass, but they held onto each other’s hands and moved as if they were one entity.

“I never knew such a passage existed.”

Caterina, her voice strained due to tension, jumped when her words echoed through the passage. Margaret chuckled inwardly. The ancestor who built this palace was none other than Gianna I.

Ascending to the throne as a woman, she had many enemies. Whether she had used this passage was unknown. However, considering that the map and usage of this path had been passed down through generations, she at least seemed to have intended to pass the throne down through her descendants.

“If you continue along this path, you’ll come to the West Harbor. If the Western District has arrived safely, Elvino Kingdom soldiers will be waiting across the river.”

“If it were my brother, he must have arranged for a carriage.”

Caterina’s face brightened a bit. They continued walking. Before long, the damp and humid air was replaced by the distinct and unpleasant smell of a sewer. The crown prince and his wife pulled out handkerchiefs and covered their noses.

“Just a bit further, and the smell will fade.”

Contrary to Margaret’s words, as the passage widened, the stench grew stronger. The crown prince grumbled while burying his face in his handkerchief as if trying to smother himself. The splashing water gradually deepened, reaching their ankles.

Baby mice scurried away, avoiding the humans. Marguerite directed herself towards the merging of the waters and kept walking.

She didn’t know how much farther they had to walk. To reach the West River after passing through the capital of Berthelot, they would need to walk for at least several more hours. That’s why, when Klein suddenly halted, Margaret scolded him in an anxious tone.

“Don’t stop walking.”

“But, Master, I hear sounds.”