Chapter 146

A few days later.

An exhibition of Valentin, the Grand Duke Consort of Dennox, was held at the Beaufranc Gallery, one of the capital’s largest galleries. Although there was no opening party for the exhibition and only a brief article was published in the Daily Eldon without much promotion, was it due to the fame that came with his status? People flocked to this unusual event of someone of near-royal status painting and exhibiting.

The artist, Valentin, was not present at the gallery.

There were only two paintings there, but viewers marveled at the overwhelming works.

Word of mouth spread very quickly, stirring up all of Eldon. By order of the Grand Duke Consort, the exhibition was free to view for all, with no restrictions on status. So everyone who heard the rumors had to come.

In the largest hall upon entering the gallery, two huge canvases were hung on opposite walls facing each other.

They were works painted with the same technique and same light and shadow, as if they were a series or twins. But contrary to their artistic characteristics, the content of the paintings was completely different.

At first glance from afar, the two paintings looked similar to typical, traditional heroic paintings. Indeed, the first impression of the paintings could be considered quite classical in style.

It was a scene of a street filled with people, with one figure leading the crowd. In one work, the leader was female, and in the opposite work, the leader was male.

In the right hand of the goddess standing at the front of the crowd was a flag with a dove drawn on a red background symbolizing Christ’s love, and in her left hand was a torch symbolizing peace.

The expressions of the people she led were full of determination and will.

Their eyes seemed to be based on firm beliefs and purpose, and they were struggling together, holding each other’s hands and helping fallen ones to stand. Overall, the people tangled in a huge triangular shape all seemed to be of one mind, and the energy of their movement could be seen directed forward. Moreover, looking closely at the figures, you could see people holding books and pens, and people wearing clothes of various statuses, holding hands as if not minding their differences. There was full of vitality under the fluttering red flag.

In contrast, the mood felt from the image of the male god leading the crowd was completely different from the painting of the goddess facing it. At first glance, they seemed like similar paintings, but looking closely at the content, there was a huge difference.

The male god was running holding a bag that looked like it contained heavy gold coins and a sword. And the expressions of the people he led showed a glimpse of madness.

The expressions of those running together, filling the city while holding guns and banknotes, were filled with stupidity and confusion towards the back. They seemed to be stepping on each other and pressing down to move forward. Those trampled underneath seemed to be screaming in agony. Like the painting opposite, it was a triangular mass of people, but the direction of energy was in a pyramid shape pressing down from top to bottom. Also, looking closely, those crushed at the bottom were clearly lower class people.

Unlike these classical images, the painting technique expressed on the canvas was rough and new.@@novelbin@@

The paintings, with the impression of light maximized as if a spotlight was shining on the center, showed a stark contrast in atmosphere just by looking at the expressions of people drawn in the dark edges. It was showing the extremes of despair and hope, as if capturing the expressions of shock felt when lightning flashes.

People murmured throughout the viewing.

Although the artist and painter Valentin, the Grand Duke Consort of Dennox, was nowhere to be seen in the gallery, the exhibition was held under the symbol of the Grand Duke. This was possible because their divorce was a strictly kept secret until it was perfectly finalized. Moreover, it was personally sponsored by Grand Duke Howard after seeing Valentin’s will.

No one called them satirical paintings. But under the honorable name of Dennox, it was a painting and social situation where everyone knew who and who in reality were depicted. Though not a single face of the goddess or male god resembled anyone, it was so. Everyone just knew.

People from high society who came to see the talked-about paintings exchanged chatty glances with silent lips.

On one of the days when it was still a hot topic, people who appeared to be sent by the 3rd Prince came. They caused some disturbance like thugs once or twice, but were quickly suppressed.

Was all this quick prevention really because the Grand Ducal family was powerful and had abundant military strength? But those with sharp eyes soon realized that wasn’t all. The considerable number of people in charge of security at the gallery, and the influence that could equally match the 3rd Prince’s subordinates. It was clear there was someone behind it who they couldn’t defeat even after fighting and fighting.

Even amid the hushed whispers, the story kept spreading underground.

Meanwhile, in the slums of Grey Chapel Street where many people showing symptoms of New Poppin’s addiction resided, rumors circulated among them of an angel-like youth with platinum blonde hair appearing.

Though not a monk, he went around in a deeply pulled down gray robe, holding papers and distributing them to the people hiding in the slums.

The papers contained content saying they would be treated for free if they visited a certain hospital with this, and methods to overcome addiction. But most of the already frightened people either threw away the flyers containing the guide or couldn’t take any action because they were illiterate and couldn’t read. Still, word spread by mouth through those who courageously went.

After sweating and running around the slums diligently like that for a while, the youth suddenly disappeared.

And the figure of the platinum blonde beautiful youth could not be found anywhere in the capital.

The Final Step of Revenge

“…I regret to say, Your Highness… All supply has been blocked now…”

Crash!

Before the manager hired by Clifton for his business could finish speaking, the sound of many things breaking and shattering erupted. Unable to contain his anger any longer, he had thrown all the glasses and utensils on the table.

“How many times have I heard those words now? Why can’t you open other routes?”

At the 3rd Prince’s angry shout, the heads of all those sitting at the table for the meeting bowed deeply.

“What? Why are you all so silent? Do you think I brought you here paying that money to see such incompetence? When a person receives money, shouldn’t they be worth it?!”

The ears of those listening turned red with shame at his blatantly attacking words.

Clifton had been looking for ways to replace the expensive raw materials that had become difficult to obtain for half a year. The New Poppin’s tincture supplied to slums and hospitals as part of charity was already being produced with that ingredient removed. Naturally, problems arose with the medicine after removing the expensive component that alleviated addiction and side effects.

But he didn’t care. They were just lowly poor people living at the bottom anyway. Everything was just part of a show to solidify his position, not because he genuinely thought of them and supplied the medicine. Whether side effects erupted from them or not, it was fine as long as rumors didn’t spread.

But now even the route to import ingredients for the tincture to be normally supplied to noble families was blocked.

“Already more than half of the investors have pulled out!”

“We’re recruiting new investors…”

“When exactly do you think that will happen!”

“…Your Highness. I have something to say.”

“What is it?”

“It seemed quite unusual that business partners were being blocked one after another, so I looked into it through personal routes.”

The one who spoke up was a wealthy man from the back alleys. Though someone Clifton, with his sense of superiority, couldn’t stand to sit at the same table with in terms of status, he was very useful business-wise. Especially when secretly exerting force through back alley people, he was quite useful. There were many times when it was simpler to suppress with the power of violence anywhere.

Clifton stared at the face of the man with a scar on his eyebrow with a disgusted look, but focused on what he would say next.

“I know it’s a means Your Highness won’t welcome, but…”

It was bait thrown considering there were many listeners. Though Clifton was the one who best utilized the world of darkness he controlled and back-handed methods without others knowing, it was words laid to not tarnish the honor of the one he served. Despite his lowly origins, the man was sharp enough to sit at the same table facing the prince.

“It’s fine, speak.”

With a clearing of his throat added, the man’s explanation continued.

“I thought it was clearly being blocked by someone’s power, so I investigated and as expected…”

“Have you uncovered the mastermind.”

Clifton ground his teeth with a menacing aura as if he would chew up that interferer when he found out.

“Colonel Reynard Dennox. It’s the Marquis of Valkyries.”

Bang!

At those words, the table shook again. It was the 3rd Prince’s fist violently striking the tabletop once more.

“Not only did that person’s companion hang paintings in a gallery to incite public opinion and shame me…!”

His face, transformed like a devil due to anger, trembled. Recently, intellectuals who had seen Valentin’s paintings began using a special symbol. They created an emblem by stylizing the white dove drawn inside a red rectangular flag of the goddess in that painting.

They would attach that symbol at the top of editorials they contributed regardless of content, and make it into badges to decorate their clothes. Though they weren’t making a fuss, such behavior was quietly spreading among commoners and the middle class.

In fact, while it was true that Valentin had incited public opinion by exhibiting his paintings, it was closer to expressing and showing the right path as he saw it. It was revenge yet not revenge, in the most beautiful way an artist could act. Valentin’s quiet method was slowly shaking the world.

Probably only the 3rd Prince and his subordinates would express it as incitement. That’s how unsettling the public opinion circulating in Eldon now was.

The slums were falling ill from the side effects of New Poppin’s tincture, and protests continued daily from the middle class as well. Moreover, many of the most urgently needing treatment among wounded army soldiers had died unable to overcome addiction and side effects.

Stopping the daily and weekly papers that kept boiling without end had also reached its limit.

The biggest problem was that noble family business partners who had lost money were protesting, and the pharmaceutical company’s business, distribution and trade routes that had already been greatly expanded were collapsing due to those shrewdly withdrawing investment funds.

At this critical time over a year after releasing the new drug, Clifton’s business was on the verge of collapse.

If things went on like this, he would be completely ruined before the Emperor and parliament voted to announce the successor.

“Damn them…! That person who’s properly blocking my path…!”

Clifton trembled, grinding his molars.

“The throne was right before my eyes, but because of him…!”

When they thought he would quiet down after losing his companion’s health and child, he was raging even more wildly like a wounded beast making its final struggle.

“How about this method…?”

“What?”

“It’s been nearly a year since the Grand Duke Consort became a recluse after losing the child. How about turning the direction of attack that way? As you know, a consort who has become infertile is perfect prey.”

As expected, the notoriously vicious fellow found the most despicable method.

“Well… Valentin is no different from the Duke’s weakness.”

“It’s perfect for tarnishing his honor with a few articles and interviews with palace physicians.”

“But will the current situation change by doing that? The Grand Duke Consort is just the biggest supporter of Her Highness the Imperial Princess. It might affect public opinion briefly, but wouldn’t have much impact on the business itself.”

The one who raised an objection glared at the one who suggested the plan. It was an attitude of telling him to keep quiet if he was stupid. But the big shot from the back alleys was calm. With a relaxed face, he held up his palm and continued explaining.

“That’s not the purpose. If we go after the Consort, the Duke will surely not stand for it. When he reacts strongly, use that as an excuse to challenge him to a duel of honor.”

“A duel of honor! Though it’s a gentleman’s right, it’s legally banned these days!”

“But Your Great Highness can do it. Who would stand by when a prince and duke’s honor has been tarnished? Think about it. If a duel of honor is realized, isn’t it the best opportunity to legitimately get rid of them? We can also completely bury them socially.”

“Hmm…”

Clifton nodded, rubbing his chin as if deep in thought. He looked very taken with that opinion. But the close aide who had been objecting continued to argue.

“But I’m not sure if going after the Grand Duke Consort will be that effective. Though everyone is hushing it up, rumors are circulating that the divorce application of the two has already been passed to the Archbishop!”

“Yes, it’s true they are facing divorce.”

This was something Clifton knew directly from hearing it from the Emperor. The Emperor had been working since the end of last year to separate the two who could no longer bear life. Moreover, he was actively pushing Lady Sabina Akal, another omega who could withstand the Duke’s pheromones, for the position of next Grand Duke Consort. Word had secretly reached his ears that those efforts had paid off, and more than half of their divorce proceedings had progressed recently.

“But it’s also true that the Duke still has feelings for Valentin. To make him move in anger, we need to touch that side.”

As the 3rd Prince nodded, his subordinates added words one by one.

“Challenge him to a duel of honor and then officially punish the Colonel.”

“That’s right. There are even rumors lately that the Duke’s health is not very good.”

“I heard he’s gone a bit mad after losing his child…”

“So now is the opportune time.”

At the words of his closest aides, Clifton called a servant and took out a high-quality cigar from the cigar box. It was offered by the one who had just been whispering about the vicious plan. The prince’s noble fingers traced the thick, smooth surface of the cigar. Then he brought it under his nose to savor the aroma.

“Hmm…”

Clifton passed out one to each of those seated with him. The familiar cigar scent that came from gentlemen’s clubhouses filled the office.

When the smoke had become thick, Clifton smiled contentedly, lifting one corner of his mouth, and concluded:

“Yes, it’s a very good plan. First, it would be good to completely ruin that person. Immediately have articles printed about Valentin’s shame.”

All nodded at the 3rd Prince’s order and rose from their seats to prepare for the next steps.

* * *

The end of the year that should be full of warm sharing. Articles containing Valentin’s intimate and private shame swept through cheap weekly magazines first.

The yellow press gleefully gossiped starting with content about ‘the Grand Duke Consort who cannot bear an heir’. It was truly cynical and dirty beyond compare.

Eventually, in less than a week, an interview with a Kingsford Medical School professor and palace physician was published in the Eldon Times, and a spokesperson for the 3rd Prince subtly came forward as a witness, saying all these stories were true.

Crumpling the newspaper spread on the table, Felix said:

“What on earth does this guy believe in to open his mouth?”

Meanwhile, Reynard’s close aides with number nicknames were gathered in a secret room today for their plan that had reached its final stages.

“To disclose information about a patient. The doctor’s qualifications are questionable.”

“But he didn’t make any definitively certain statements. Look at how the interview content is cleverly done as if it’s not about the Grand Duke Consort. As if it’s a case of someone else…”

“Even so, anyone would know the subject is the same as His Highness’s situation. The citizens aren’t fools.”

“And what use is it if the doctor speaks in roundabout ways? This spokesperson of the 3rd Prince directly affirmed that he saw it that day!”

Felix flipped through other newspapers and weekly magazines while spitting out words mixed with irritation. Though the big framework was according to their plan, he couldn’t help feeling annoyed somehow.

It was obvious what would come out even if they protested to this spokesperson clearly written in the newspaper. He would just say he spoke what he saw. After all, it was an act done knowing full well what result would come from combining his testimony with the doctor’s interview.

“Besides, touching His Highness like this wasn’t part of the agreement, was it?”

“We have no choice since this was entrusted to ‘Number Five’.”

“If it’s him, he would have surely thrown the most tempting bait after observing the situation.”

“He’s quite willful and difficult to handle…”

The close aides each added a word about ‘Number Five’ who was acting as a spy under the 3rd Prince.

“The doctor is obviously in league with the 3rd Prince. He must be trying to secure his position and safety by building a friendship with the one who seems likely to be the next heir to the throne…”

“Anyway, those guys have finally started moving despicably.”

“Such fools… Not even realizing they’ve fallen into a trap.”

“Felix, watch your words. It’s fortunate they’re moving as we thought because they’re foolish.”

Lord Benson frowned and scolded his half-brother. The rebuke