Frederick entered the room where Lady Cornelia was seated. Upon entering, he bowed deeply. The Lady remained poised, sipping wine from a masterfully crafted chalice. The Chalice was a special one, it was crafted under the order of the King who specially ordered its creation for his sister.
The King treated his younger sister very well as some may consider it as pampering although people were indeed confused as to why he would sell her to the family which the Royal Family has always hated.
Behind lady Cornelia stood her maids and several other silent servants, handpicked from the Palace to serve her because they don't value the servants or guards of the Palace in the Duchy.
"I bring information, my lady," he said, holding his bow, a mark of deep respect since she handpicked him from the lower division of the Royal Guards who were in charge of the protection of the Royal Family and its possessions.
Cornelia didn't open her eyes. She gently raised the chalice to her lips. "It smells delicious," she murmured while enjoying the sweet aroma, before taking a slow sip.
Frederick cleared his throat. "It appears the Duke plans to grant Estefan the title of Baron, Baron of Rammstein, the third city of the Duchy." He was worried to tell this to her considering she normally gets angry whenever someone mentions Estefan.
Cornelia paused as she set the chalice down. Most of them expected a hissy fit or furious scream, perhaps. But she remained completely still, calm and cool.
Those who served her knew well: she had two faces. One being an emotional face which was easily flustered, quick to anger or joy. The other? A cold, calculating likeness of her brother, the King. That version of Lady Cornelia was terrifying: logical, manipulative, and ruthlessly strategic.
Frederick stood stiffly, uncertain of what to say. She had just seen her oldest son lose his chance at becoming Duke, something she'd long orchestrated. "My lady... perhaps the Duke is setting a trap. Maybe he's sending Estefan to be eliminated." He tried to please her with those words.
Cornelia's eyes slowly opened. "You're right."
"I beg your pardon?" Frederick blinked.
She looked straight at him. "My husband is doing this to destroy that brat. Rammstein is one of the most unstable cities under his rule."
"But my lady... there's still a ceasefire between the crime families and the Duke's forces." He started, only to be interrupted by her nod. "Correct. But he's likely already revoked it."
A knock at the door cut the conversation. One of Cornelia's trusted maids entered and whispered something into her ear.
Cornelia's lips curled into a soft, satisfied smile.
"What is it, my lady?" Frederick asked hesitantly.
She savored the moment, letting the silence linger. Then she spoke. "I was right. My husband is no genius, but he is an Angeras. Tactical cunning runs in the blood. He won't ever accept that bastard boy, not when he was born from a lowborn womb. So, he punishes him with Rammstein."
"But if the ceasefire remains, Estefan won't face danger." Frederick offered.
"The ceasefire is already gone." She said simply. "Now violence that was once spilled in the alleys and shadows will come alive in daylight on the streets where everyone can see and taste the fear they felt in the past again.."
"So... he's expecting the crime families to kill Estefan?" He asked her.
"No," Cornelia said sharply. "He doesn't want a simple death. He wants a statement. He wants Estefan's head mounted as a warning by those criminals."
"But that would provoke every noble house." Frederick said and then paused, realizing the trap the Duke carefully set for both Estefan and the Crime families of that city.
Cornelia nodded. "Exactly. That's what my husband wants. If Estefan dies in such a fashion, it justifies a full purge. My husband will burn Rammstein to the ground—legally, and with praise. No more whispers from the capital accusing him of massacring civilians since they would definitely love to make him look like a villain due to all the hate his family has outside the Duchy."
"So... Estefan's death becomes the excuse to eliminate the entire underworld and secure young master Carnel's claim." Frederick said realising the incredible plan of the Duke and he at the same time was amazed to see his master figuring this all out by herself.
"Yes. But keep an eye on my husband." She added, swirling her wine. "He may still be sentimental to Estefan, though he never actually shows it because he probably lacks that quality to care for his family but if he falters, I want to know."
Frederick bowed. "Understood. I will increase our eyes around him. Any change of plans regarding Estefan and you'll know immediately."
She took another sip. "Estefan is still my son, isn't he? I haven't given him a gift yet... Send a letter to Rammstein. Place a bounty on his head. One million is the price for his head."
Frederick paled. "As you wish, my lady." He turned and hurried out.
Cornelia raised her chalice. "Let's not wait years for the outcome my husband planned since they won't try to poke Estefan fearing the Duke. But let's make sure it happens soon by motivating them since the offer is coming from the main palace, I am sure they will figure it out that the Duke himself wants his son dead."
She drank deeply. "I'll be waiting for the joyous news of your death, my lovely son Estefan.. please die soon for your loving, beautiful step-mother."
Meanwhile, the Duke's orders were finalized. Estefan was named Baron of Rammstein along with the ceasefire between the Duchy and the city's criminal factions was revoked.
The news spread quickly across Luso and the entire Duchy.
Rumors bloomed: Estefan's overwhelming strength at the tournament had shaken the Duke's faith in his succession plan. Some whispered the Duke now saw Estefan as a worthy heir and as a reward, Estefan had been given an entire city to rule.
A rumour which was definitely not spread under the wishes of the Duke.
[To be Continued]