After reaching the Vaspertine duchy, Valentina was directly greeted by Artemisia.

Artemisia - It's an honour to meet you my lady.

Valentina - I should say the same about Lady Vaspertine. Truly the praises about your beauty fall short of your actual splendidness.

Artemisia - Oh my~ Your words are really kind. Shall we head inside? The other noble ladies are waiting for you.

Valentina - Yes! I am most excited to meet them after such a long time.

All of them reunited and sat around the table to talk and have a good time together. Everything was going well until one of the ladies suddenly decided to verbally attack Valentina.

Carina Mintz - Hasn't Lady Isidor stayed out of the parties for quite a long time? How did the lady suddenly have a change of heart?

Valentina - Oh...well, you can say I had some personal problems, when you lose people who are quite close to you different people take different amount of time to recover from it and you can say I was so deeply saddened by the sudden loss of my parents that attending parties felt somewhat wrong to me. I am not judging anyone but it's just how I felt. But it was not like I could stay in the duchy for the rest of my rest mourning for the lost ones, that's why I decided to again take part in the high society. ( *Pitiful acting* )

Carina - Oh? I think the lady took too much time...even the duke-the lady's younger brother lost his parents but he recovered quite early don't you think? Like almost immediately?Then according to the lady did the duke not have a good relationship with his parents or is the duke just better than the lady?( *Trying to put her down* )

Valentina - ( *Thinking* ) Oh? What's this? I thought I was just overthinking but it looks like she deliberately wants to pick a fight. Ofcourse she knows how much Vercil and I still mourn over our parents' death and why did I stay out of the high society for such a long time. Still she dared to ask me this. All these deliberate attempts to put me down are making me somewhat sad~

Valentina - As I said, everyone takes different amount of time for recovering. Ofcourse in some aspects the duke is definitely better than me. But he is quite a lonely child. It breaks my heart to see him like that, as the heir he had to shoulder the responsibilities from an early age. But that doesn't mean he didn't mourn over their death, he still does, such a pain doesn't disappear but numbs down over time. No one can erase those sad feelings but he is a brave child who can conceal all those feelings by putting his duty towards the empire before his personal feelings. Thus we both had to do our duties while I avoided parties and extravagance to some extent as a small token of respect. ( *Pitiful* )

Valentina - But ( *Raising her gaze* ) don't you think you are taking the Duke's feelings too lightly? ( *Eyeing her* )

Valentina - ( *Thinking* ) Many people knew how much Valentina hated accepting that Vercil was better than her, there's no way Carina didn't know about it as well. But I believe it was said intentionally to widen the rift between me and Vercil. Honey, did the sudden acceptance...perhaps shock you? ( *Smirk* )

Carina - ( *Shocked* )What?! My lady must be misunderstanding. I never intended to do such a thing. How can I?

Valentina - Then even after knowing about the tragedy that occured in the Isidor family and the possible reason of my disappearance from the high society, the lady asked such a question. Must I then perceive this as a deliberate attempt to scratch my wounds? ( *Smirked* )

Carina - Wha-what?! Absolutely not! No my lady, it's not like that!

Valentina - Then are you suggesting that I am a fool who can't even recognise the meaning behind conversations?

Carina - ( *Widening her eyes* ) Oh my god! Absolutely not-

Valentina - ( *Interrupting* ) Oh my~ did I scare you? Hah! I believe I took my joke a little too far. It wasn't my intention to scare the lady. I apologise if I scared you accidentally~

Carina - ( *Letting her breath out* )No absolutely not my lady. You don't need to do it. I guess I was just taken aback a little due to the sudden joke.

Valentina - Haha~ I should control the intensity in the future then, don't you think so as well lady Vaspertine?

Artemisia - ( *Observing her intently* ) Ofcourse. I hope next time the lady can keep it a little lighter.

Valentina - I will...definitely keep that in mind. ( *Smiled* )

Valentina - Oh! From his mention, I just remembered, aren't count Mintz and Vercil working on a project together right now? He wanted me take part in it. Don't you think it would be a pleasure to learn something from the count? Hmm?

Valentina - ( *Narrowing her eyes* ) The talks about the count's fairness, generosity and selflessness is quite widespread, won't you agree? I believe it would be a good opportunity to work together with him and uncover a few little secrets about him. Shouldn't the whole empire know about his greatness?

Carina - ( *Tensed and shivering in fear* ) M-My lady is already so talented, that I believe my h-husband may not have m-much to o-offer.

Valentina - Oh my~ is that it? It's truly a pity. ( *Picking up the tea cup and watching her like a hawk* ) But I'll be sure to keep a watch on him though ( *Putting on an amicable smile* ) to ofcourse le~arn. ( *Smirked* )

Among the powerful nobles, it was common knowledge that Count Mintz was quite a baised and a bribe accepting person. But still the nobles tolerated him either for their advantage or were too unbothered by it. The Isidor duchy was such one, having their hands full with internal affairs, they had no time to expose or look into the count's matter but if his greed were to be brought into the public eye, the case would completely turn around and he would inevitably be punished for being his crimes. Even though they were working together, Count Mintz did not have the courage to mess with the Isidors, but the situation would turn out differently if the duchy suddenly decided to look into his other works where he had scammed people. Thus Isidor's direct involvement was fatal for them. It was a subtle warning, but everyone sitting there instantly got the real message.

" If you even try to disrespect me or put me down, I will destroy your whole house.
Know your place! "

The atmosphere had become somewhat awkward but soon enough all the ladies again started talking to uplift the mood.
It was evening already and all the ladies finally started leaving after the party got over. But it seemed like both Valentina and Artemisia wanted to know more about each other.

Valentina - Lady Vaspertine, if you are free right now, would you like to sit with me for a few more minutes? I believe I might have something that you need.

Artemisia - Something I need? Hmm? Sure. It won't hurt to listen to it...after all I love a deals that benefit me.

Valentina - How delightful!

Both of them were directed towards the reception room to talk more. Artemisia was curious as to what would Valentina have to offer while Valentina was thinking about something else.
Both of them sat down and a few refreshments were brought again.

Valentina - The lady is at a marriageable age isn't she?

Artemisia - ( *Visibly stiffened* ) Yes.

Valentina - ( *Smirked* ) The emperor can be quite troublesome or foolish at times.

Artemisia - ( *Widening her eyes* ) What?! Saying such a thing about the emperor can cause the lady to loose her head!

Valentina - Yet I am sitting her unharmed. Then doesn't that mean the lady atleast to some extent agrees with me?

Artemisia - ( *Silent* )

Valentina - The emperor is an ambitious person. Someone who wants to establish control over all the duchies in the empire despite their loyalty.

Artemisia - I know it well enough.

Valentina - Duke Elois Kartena is the current head of the Kartena duchy. He is someone extremely loyal to the emperor- a beneficial vassal yet a simple pawn. The bachelor duke and the only Lady of Vaspertine duchy at a marriageable age- doesn't it sound like a perfect powerful couple? Both of them are well known, so marrying each other won't raise suspicion against the emperor but would be idolized by the people as a beautiful love story. Sounds like a good situation for the emperor doesn't it?

Artemisia - Why are you mentioning all this?

Valentina - The emperor is pushing for marriage between the two families, right? Well ofcourse it is. But I know very well that the lady doesn't want to get married.

Artemisia - Did the emperor perhaps reveal all this infront of my lady? ( *Unsure smirk* )

Valentina - Ofcourse not. You might've guessed already but we are not that close that he would reveal his plans infront of me.( *Smiled* )

Artemisia - Then how are you so sure about all this when only the emperor and both the duchies only are supposed to know about this?

Valentina - ( *Narrowed her eyes and gave a smug smile* ) I have my ways.

Valentina - Now then, shall we get to the point? The lady doesn't want to get married but you don't have a good reason to deny the engagement set by the emperor himself as well.

Artemisia - It's just as the lady said.

Valentina - Then what if we just surface a scandal big enough against duke Kartena that he won't be able to get married? If such a situation occurs then even the emperor won't be able to push the lady for marrage for quite some time.

Artemisia - Can we do that? ( *Impressed* )

Valentina - Ofcourse. ( *Taking a sip of the tea* ) Everyone has a weakness, we just need to know how to break the façade and the true face will be infront of everyone.

Artemisia - Does the lady have such a information about the duke? Because if it's not solid enough then it won't create much of a difference.

Valentina - Be assured lady, I don't easily open my mouth as long as I am not sure about the effect of my plan.

Artemisia - Very well. I believe the deal must be fair. Then what is it that the lady wants?

Valentina - A promise

Artemisia - Pardon me?

Valentina - That's right. I will say my wish when the right time comes. For a hint, I just require your support in the future.

Artemisia - Even though it feels a little unfair, I don't mind a deal that keeps me at an advantage. I shall be happy to assist you when required in the future. Now then shall we seal the deal?

Valentina - That's what I've been waiting for from the start. Everything I said today was just the frame of my plan. I've all the information required to enforce it and if the lady trusts me then I shall give the further information soon enough.

Artemisia - Sure, you can say as a partner, I do trust the lady even though not completely till now.

Valentina - Fair enough, then I'll arrange everything and send you a letter soon. I'll send you the place for the information exchange, bring duke Vaspertine along, it will be better. ( *Smiled* )

Valentina - ( *Thinking* ) To gain the trust of both the siblings, I must show them directly the power my plan holds. More they trust me, more will it be beneficial for me.

Valentina - Now then, it's late already. I should return back.

Artemisia - It's a pity that you have to go back so soon.

Valentina - Do you truly think so? ( *Teasing* )

Artemisia - Well I did want to get more details ( *Shrugging* ).

Valentina - I'll send a letter soon.

•__________•.•.•.•.•.•.•__________•

Valentina returned from the duchy and immediately upon reaching her home, walked straight towards her room and contacted the guild leader.

Valentina - ( *Using a magic ball to establish connection* ) Have you collected the information I told you to?

Leader - Yes princess.

Valentina - Good. I'll be stopping by tonight then.

Leader - Tonight? Can't you come in the morning? I wanna sleep~

Valentina - ( *Smiled* ) You want me hand over the clip? ( *Assassination video* )

Leader - ( *Groaned* ) You are so cruel~
Hah! I'll keep everything ready. Don't forget to bring my payment. Money is everything ( *Wink* ).

•__________•.•.•.•.•.•.•__________•

It was nearly midnight when Valentina sneaked out of her house wearing a cape to avoid recognition. Her first stop was by the guild leader.

Guild leader - I didn't really expect the lady to show up.

Valentina - I had already said I would.

Leader - Well noble ladies usually aren't awake anymore at this hour so...

Valentina - Well noble ladies don't frequent this area and threaten the leader of an assassination guild into working for them while also paying them so...( *Raised her eyebrows* )

Leader - ( *Chuckled* ) That's true. Guess that's my best customer for you.

Valentina - We haven't worked together for much time yet I am your best customer already?

Leader - You pay me so well. ( *Shrugged* )

Valentina - So even the 'favourite' title can be brought with money?

Leader - I told you already the guild is all about money~

Valentina - ( *Chuckles* ) Sometimes I feel you would do anything for money

Leader - As long as it's not harming the imperial family or giving up my life, and offers a good pay, why wouldn't I?

Valentina - Guess it makes sense.

Leader - Ofcourse it does. Come by again soon. I'll be waiting for the gold coins~

Valentina chuckled silently and left the place. Her next destination was an abandoned house. It was one famous in the locality for being haunted. It was believed among the locals that the ones who went into the house never came back. Thus everyone preferred to stay away from it. Though people often claimed to have seen shadows lurking near the area and even hearing the cries of some young children coming from the house.

Valentina - So this is the place.

Valentina reached near the house and hid herself.

And proving the local belief, she indeed spotted some shadows. But they were not regular shadows, they were shadows who could talk.

"Be silent. Bring the children in carefully, look out from anyone suspicious. "

She heard one whispering.

Valentina - ( *Smirked* ) Taking part in a crime. Are we?

Valentina stayed there for some time until the shadows were out of sight and had moved into the house, and soon returned back to the duchy while being careful to ensure that no one was tailing her.

Valentina - ( *Taking her cape off* ) With this my information has been verified. ( *Looking at the document* ) All we need to do now is check everything the guild leader has collected and send a letter to lady Vaspertine.

•__________•.•.•.•.•.•.•__________•

Extra info :

Age of the characters :

Valentina Isidor - 21
Artemisia Vaspertine- 18
Duke Vespertine - 24
Emperor - 24
Duke Isidor - 19
Guild leader - 23
Duke Kartena - 23

•__________•.•.•.•.•.•.•__________•

Hey everyone, I really hope you liked this chapter and if you did then don't forget to leave a few words of encouragement or constructive critisism. Love you all<3

Then I'll be back with another chapter, till then byeee~.