Duke Heston was feeling somewhat uneasy. He didnt fear the Grand Duke. Hed even recently visited a spy agency for an audit, but his attempt to monopolize the empress was distorted.
You still think youre the empress fiance, the duke thought.
He believed Enoch was responsible for eighty percent of the empress failure to marry. It was not unreasonable to hear rumors of both the empress and the Grand Duke in their prime and single and that the two still harbored past affection.
The Grand Dukes attitude of being so close towards the empress also stirred up many rumors.
But those who watched the two closely knew that it was all nonsense. The empress was cold to the Grand Duke, and it was the Grand Duke who acted plainly to the point of holding affection for the empress alone.
Duke Heston could not understand why the Grand Duke stuck to the empress side and claimed to be his loyal dog. The empress didnt even have a decent bone of loyalty to throw at the Grand Duke.
One this was for sure, the Grand Duke wont do good for Duke Hestons plan. He had the ambition to place his son on the seat of the throne as the emperor. The weak and docile empress was the perfect fit to string around in his grasp.
Duke Heston would have a rocky path, but he was confident in his plans.
It isnt too late now, so why not try to figure out suitable candidates as your partner, Your Majesty.
Stop talking about the matter, Duke, Enoch spat out coldly.
Duke Hestons flushed face turned red.
What?
I wasnt going to say this, but it seems as if you dont know your place. Her Majesty is the ruler of me, the ball, and the empire, not some seed that shell give birth to. Oh, but if she does, her partner wont be from the House of Heston.
The surrounding air cooled down.
At Enochs wild and blatant words, Aran forgot what to say. When the two of them were alone, she knew Enoch loathed the aristocrats in official positions and poured out all kinds of vulgar words, but in public, hed keep his manners in mind.
What was he doing now?
Duke Hestons face looked like it was about to burst.
Isnt the Grand Duke a bit too unbecoming? How dare you criticize me for putting out a suggestion?! How dare you say such vulgar words
I only speak of this because I can see right through you, Enoch continued his words, not bothering to hide his ridicule, As you said, Her Majesty is a woman, not a man, so why dont you find someone else for your son to give birth a descendant to without involving Her Majesty?
Wh what?
Grand Duke
Surprised, Aran unwittingly grabbed Enochs arm, but he showed no signs of stopping.
Are you suggesting that we put an illegitimate child on the throne? Seeing that you have ignored the legitimacy of the six-hundred-year-old royal familys history, I doubt youd have a different mind! Duke Heston protested loudly.
Im merely speaking the truth. Whether the child is illegitimate or not, whether the fathers of high status or low, whether hes a mere commoner, it doesnt matter. Whoever Her Majesty chooses doesnt matter. What are you planning? And who in the world has more legitimacy than a child born of the empress womb?
Duke Heston shut his mouth. He thought about how to refute the Grand Dukes words, but he couldnt think of anything. If he were to deny the legitimacy of whom the empress gave birth to, it would be tantamount to insulting the imperial family.
Stop it, both of you.
Aran eventually could not stand the sight any further and intervened in between the two men. Except for Enoch, she, who had no experience with men, was perplexed and embarrassed by the topic that drove her wild.
I still have much to take care of in terms of the empires affair. Ive only recently ascended the throne. Its better we talk about the matter of a partner and succession after the political situation has stabilized, said Aran, calmly.
Yes, Im sorry, Enoch bowed his head.
I, too, was rash. Know that I had no other ulterior motives, Your Majesty, Duke Heston reluctantly apologized.
I understand.
Of course, Aran didnt believe it, but she accepted the dukes apology to quickly remedy the boiling situation. However, the cold mood hadnt been easily resolved.
The duke secretly clenched his teeth and glared at the Grand Duke.
The empress hesitated when speaking about the matters of succession. A little push might have led to a meeting with his son but the Grand Duke had to interfere. Now the guarantee that the empress would listen to his plea disappeared.
Enoch ignored Duke Hestons blazing glare while Aran, nervous, picked up a glass of wine and took a sip. Enoch frowned, knowing she had low resistance to wine and alcohol.
Such matters only occurred because of their excessive loyalty, so dont worry. Its a good day, so enjoy to your hearts content.
Aran forced a bright smile to calm the awkward atmosphere.
Enoch looked at her strangely.
Meanwhile, some brave souls approached him while Duke Heston, with an astringent face, went away, glaring at the Grand Duke.