Free Web NovelChapter 125: A Proposal?
"Lady Isolde, yesterday in court, many ministers impeached Prince Simon, seemingly quite dissatisfied with his actions in Brambleford."
As they strolled through the garden, Empress Gretchen spoke to Lady Isolde.
The imperial harem was a place where news travelled fast, and the concubines close to her had already informed her of this matter.
Not only were Brambleford’s policies vastly different from those of the Eldorian Empire, but recently, rumours of Simon targeting and massacring local noble families had also been spreading like wildfire.
What kind of place was the Eldorian Empire? It was a land where aristocratic families had ruled for thousands of years, deeply entrenched in the empire. Simon’s actions had greatly displeased other noble families.
Moreover, the Goldwynd and Redwyck families of Brambleford had been active in Eldora for some time, and some court officials had accepted bribes from the Goldwynd family. Naturally, they now sought to speak out on behalf of the Goldwynd family.
After all, Prince Simon was far away in Brambleford, and even if they criticised him openly in Eldora, there was little he could do about it.
"I have also heard about this matter. However, the Goldwynd family attempted to assassinate the princess, and the Redwyck family later plotted a rebellion. Simon likely had no choice but to act." Lady Isolde defended Simon.
Empress Gretchen and Lady Isolde walked ahead alone. Empress Gretchen glanced back at the concubines following them, ensuring they were far enough away, and then said in a serious tone. "That’s just Prince Simon’s side of the story. But the ministers in court are skilled at turning black into white and white into black. Some are saying that Prince Simon framed the Goldwynd family to eliminate the noble clans."
"Your Majesty, the ministers who say such things are truly malicious. They are slandering my son. I beg Your Majesty to stand up for Prince Simon." Lady Isolde’s face turned pale, and she moved to bow to Empress Gretchen.
Empress Gretchen quickly stopped her, her expression gentle. "The ministers wouldn’t speak without reason. There must be someone behind this. After Princess Lisa detoured to Burrows’ Town, she sent someone to Eldora in haste. Only then did the impeachment of Prince Simon begin."
"Princess Lisa? Prince Gerad?" A chill ran down Lady Isolde’s spine. "Where has my Simon offended them?"
Both of these individuals held immense power and enjoyed the emperor’s favour. However, Empress Gretchen had always been wary of Prince Gerad and Princess Lisa.
In her eyes, Gerad and Lisa were not people she could control, especially now that the two were growing closer.
In Eldora, the two had not aligned themselves with any prince, and her attempts to win them over had all failed. If the two were to side with her, the Crown Prince’s position would be truly secure.
But the problem was this: in the power struggle, there were only enemies and allies, no neutral parties. Since she couldn’t figure out these two, she remained cautious. Brambleford bordered Gerad’s domain, making it the perfect place to keep him in check.
"Who can say?" Empress Gretchen said casually. "Now that Prince Gerad is wealthy and powerful, with a strong army, perhaps he has other ambitions."
At this point, she suddenly stopped. "You should just take my words as they are and not spread them. I was merely speaking offhand. But don’t worry, the Crown Prince has spoken up for Prince Simon in court."
Lady Isolde breathed a slight sigh of relief. "Thank you, Your Majesty, and the Crown Prince."
"There’s no need for such formalities. The Crown Prince has always held Prince Simon in high regard. When they were in Eldora, they got along well. After all, they are brothers and should help each other." Empress Gretchen chuckled.
Lady Isolde, though without power or influence, had managed to maintain her status in the palace through her intelligence.
From the beginning, she had understood Empress Gretchen’s intentions: to pressure her into aligning with the Crown Prince and ensuring Simon’s loyalty.
But now, she had little choice. When Simon had been indulging in pleasure and showing no ambition, she hadn’t worried much about him. But now, with Simon’s actions in Brambleford making waves in Eldora, she couldn’t sit still.
She had always loved reading and knew that in the rise and fall of dynasties, few princes survived. Those who did were often powerless and insignificant. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
Previously, she had hoped Simon would improve himself, but not to become a powerful feudal lord. She had wanted him to live a peaceful and stable life.
But now, everything was moving in an unpredictable direction. She had never been fond of political schemes, but for Simon’s sake, she had no choice but to act in Eldora.
She saw things clearly now. Although the Emperor was somewhat dissatisfied with the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince’s position remained secure, especially with the support of Empress Gretchen’s father, Prince Ravencrest.
For now, the Crown Prince’s position was stable, and what Simon needed most was time. Aligning with the Crown Prince would give him a powerful ally in Eldora, someone who could shield him from slander and schemes.
Empress Gretchen’s earlier mention of the Crown Prince defending Simon in court was a clear hint.
"Your Majesty is absolutely right. The Crown Prince and Simon are as close as brothers and should support each other." Lady Isolde said slowly.
Empress Gretchen’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction. Lady Isolde had never explicitly supported the Crown Prince, but now, with Prince Simon under attack in court, this was her opportunity.
The Crown Prince, following her instructions, had led his faction in defending Simon in court.
And now, she had reaped the rewards.
She pressed on. "Prince Simon is no longer a child. It’s time for him to marry. I have a niece named Lucile. I’ll bring her to the palace soon. If you find her suitable, I’ll bring it up with the emperor. If he agrees, it will be a joyous occasion."
"That’s true. I have been worried about Simon’s marriage. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your thoughtful consideration. On behalf of Simon, I thank you." Lady Isolde smiled, though inwardly she was reluctant. But at this point, she had no other choice.
The marriages of princes were nothing more than political alliances, a fact Lady Isolde understood well. Simon’s wife would inevitably be a woman from a prominent family.
Empress Gretchen sought to further bind Simon to her through marriage, but the emperor’s thoughts on the matter remained unknown.
With a sigh, Lady Isolde realised that, whether she and her son wanted it or not, they were now entangled in the power struggles of the Eldorian Empire.
As they walked, a voice suddenly called out from nearby. "The emperor approaches!" fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm
The concubines turned and bowed in the direction of the voice. Alaric was walking toward them.
"Empress, My Lady, what are you discussing so cheerfully?" Alaric seemed to be in a good mood, his face beaming with a smile.
Empress Gretchen replied. "Your Majesty, Lady Isolde and I were just discussing selecting a wife for Prince Simon."
"Selecting a wife for Prince Simon?" Alaric’s expression remained unchanged, but a flicker of something passed through his eyes. "So, you already have someone in mind?"
"Indeed. My niece, Lucile, is well-educated and quite beautiful. I think she would be a good match for Prince Simon." Empress Gretchen said.
Alaric nodded thoughtfully. "I have met Lucile. She is indeed a fine young lady. But there’s no need to rush Prince Simon’s marriage. I have my own plans."
