However, the Countess had played a role far beyond what she had hoped for. She felt like visiting her in the convent and showering her with kisses.
Duke Bedford’s informant in the Imperial Palace reported that Countess Anabel had repeatedly slashed Aaron’s abdomen and below with the sharp ornament, and had not stopped attacking for some time even after Aaron had fainted.
Thanks to the fact that it wasn’t a proper weapon, no life-threatening wounds were left, but the doctor explained that the location of the injuries meant that something perhaps as important as life itself had been damaged.
Now, Aaron would never be able to do terrible things to another woman. It would be impossible for him to have a relationship with a loved one, or to have children.
Upon learning this fact, Aaron reportedly screamed every day and destroyed the furnishings of the Crown Prince’s palace.
Ariella couldn’t have asked for better news.
She was so happy that even the pain she felt in her leg, which Duke Bedford had torn apart in a fit of rage on the day of the incident, felt like pleasure.
Afraid that she might accidentally burst out laughing, Ariella bit down hard on the tender flesh inside her mouth, struggling to control her expression. If she got hit any more, she might really become unable to move.
“…It’s alright, Father. We can just make something up.”
Lizzy, who had been sitting with a pale face, suddenly spoke.
“I heard that Emperor hasn’t been properly informed of Aaron’s condition yet.
So, first, we silence the doctor who diagnosed Aaron, and tell His Majesty and the nobles that he’s fine. We can worry about the succession after we put him on the throne.”
Ariella was honestly surprised.
She had thought that as soon as Lizzy learned that her fiancé had become impotent, she would abandon Aaron and find a new man, or at least spend all day screaming and wailing, wallowing in negative emotions.
But it seemed she had underestimated Lizzy.
To live as the wife of a man who couldn’t get an erection, pretending to others that everything was normal for the rest of her life.
It was an idea that Ariella couldn’t understand. Whatever the reason, her determination to become Empress seemed very firm.
In any case, Lizzy’s suggestion was currently the most plausible solution. The only unfortunate thing was that the timing of her suggestion was not very good.
“…Did I ask for your advice?”
“Huh? That’s…”
She should have waited at least a few hours before speaking. Ariella clicked her tongue inwardly as she watched Duke Bedford, his eyes rolling back in his head with rising anger.
When that man was in that state, it was best not to say anything at all.
“Are you alright?! The Crown Prince is in that state, and you’re alright?! I put a lowly thing in a good position, and now you dare to speak out of turn!”
Unfortunately, Lizzy’s seat was closest to the Duke.
The Duke swung his hand without hesitation, and Lizzy helplessly offered her cheek to him.
*Thwack!*
“Agh!”
He hit her so hard that Lizzy’s body, which had been sitting on the chair, flew sideways and rolled across the floor.
Lizzy’s small, thin body, which couldn’t even withstand Ariella’s strength, could not possibly withstand the strength of a man who had once been renowned as a warrior.
*Thud!* Her head hit the floor, making a rather loud noise. Blood trickled down from her split lip, dripping onto her white chin.
Duke Bedford, who had jumped up from his seat, glared down at Lizzy’s bleeding figure, panting heavily, before abruptly turning and leaving the dining room.
Ariella watched his retreating figure with cold eyes.
‘He was unusually kind to Lizzy, worried that she might change her mind after marrying Aaron. Does this mean he doesn’t need to do that anymore?’
What if Lizzy takes revenge on him later? Ariella sneered at the Duke as he strode away.
Well, her father wasn’t the type to worry about such things in the first place. To him, she and Lizzy were just expensive possessions, and no one worries about being avenged by their possessions.
“…You did this, didn’t you?”
A sharp voice suddenly came from below.
“Did what?”
Ariella asked nonchalantly, watching the servants slink away.
Not one of the many maids came to Lizzy’s aid out of concern.
Even Lizzy’s close maid was too afraid of Duke Bedford’s gaze to help Lizzy up and ran away. It was a glimpse into how Lizzy had treated her maids.
“The ornament that Countess Anabel used as a weapon. You gave it to her, didn’t you? You planned everything, didn’t you?”
Lizzy didn’t seem to have any intention of getting up from the floor. She propped herself up on her arms, sitting with only her upper body raised, and looked up at Ariella.
“You’re making me repeat myself. I told Father. Even I can’t plan all of that. Father eventually admitted that it was realistically impossible.”
“Don’t lie. I can tell just by looking at your eyes. That you’re lying right now.”
Her eyes, as she muttered in a low voice, were empty. Somehow, that was more chilling than her usual venomous gaze.
“Why, did you hate the idea of me becoming Empress and bearing his son? Is that why you planned this?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re talking nonsense, Lizzy. It seems you’re very upset that your fiancé has become a eunuch. If I may offer my condolences, don’t be too sad about the child you wouldn’t have been able to have anyway.”
