Lilian thought of taking help from someone, who would have no problem in harming Roman, someone who was his enemy. She started shortlisting all the ministers who loved to oppose Roman. Her brain stopped at one name... Alastair Bradford, the finance minister.
[ Right! Cousin Alastair would be the perfect person! I just need to convince him!]
Alastair was Lilian's distant cousin. In the ancient times, most of the position of ministers passed onto their sons, if they were capable enough. Same thing happened here, Lilian's uncle, the old Bradford was the finance minister of the previous Emperor.
He proved to be incapable but his son, Alastair proved to be outstanding. He used to provide valuable advice to his father. Hence, his position was secured and the Emperor had no doubts in his capability. He gave Roman a tough competition. Both of them were similar as well, the only difference being, Roman was trained in warfare and Alastair was trained in accounts.
Alastair attracted bees as well. Many young misses were crazy after him as well. But he was rarely involved in scandals and controversies. Either he knew how to cover up his dirty deeds or maybe he was a good person and not involved in bribery, controversies at all.
Lilian had fallen far too deep into her expectations and the dream of being above than others. Right now, Alexandria was considered as the most ideal lady in the Capital. Before her was Senmira. She wanted to have this title for herself. If she couldn't compete with Alexandria then she would try to drag her down, by hook or by crook.
Alastair used to visit her father's home frequently. His father was not capable and couldn't teach him much, so Lilian's father took the charge of training Alastair and helped him a lot. Thus, Alastair was very much grateful to him. Since, Lilian's father was happy with her, he didn't have any complaints, so Alastair couldn't say no to help her.
After about one week, she went to the finance minister's mansion. Alastair didn't have an official wife, he had two concubines though, who were from influential business families as well. One of them came to receive Lilian. They knew she was Alastair's cousin as well as General's younger brother's wife. Thus, concubine Eliana didn't have a reason to treat her poorly. She welcomed her warmly and chatted with her for some time, as Alastair was not at home.
"Oh! What a pleasant surprise! Lady Lilian! It seems that you forgot your brother! And where's your husband William?" As soon as Alastair saw Lilian, he inquired right away. "He's busy with some work brother. So, I came to visit you alone. How are you?" Lilian asked calmly.
"I am good! Eliana... you are excused. Go and have some rest!" After sending away Eliana, both of them dropped their formalities. "Dear sister! I know this is not a casual visit, there is some reason why you came here!" Alastair smirked.
Smirking too, Lilian answered," Oh, Alastair, you know me so well! Since, I have helped you many times and my father too helped you a lot, I need you to help me now!
There is an issue which is disturbing me from quite some time! It is not allowing me to live happily!
And I have no wish to be bothered with something like this! Without beating around the bush, I will
tell you the issue. Before Roman married, Lady Senmira was the most graceful and elegant lady in the Capital.
But she was my good friend and I had no problem with her being the ideal lady. But then
Roman's wife Alexandria came. She is from the country side, her family doesn't have a high status. Even if they are very rich, they do not have political power and no idea about what is going on in the
Capital.
In the capital, the girls from the business families can not be official wives of a high posted
minister, they could only be concubines!
But still that country girl is being praised everywhere! I wanted to shine after Senmira's death. But this witch took my opportunity. Moreover, she is so cold and aloof that no one would like to talk to her!"
"That's it?" Alastair's handsome face seemed to be irritated. [She doesn't seem to be the same girl
who handled all her problems with wit and patience. She has changed now. She should be content with her life. Useless expectations and fantasies will only lead to her destruction!]
"To be truthful Lilian, I can not see any issue here! Because there's nothing to be worried about.
She is being praised because she might be worth praising.
You were raised in the Capital, it was expected of you to be graceful, well-mannered and groomed! If you didn't posses these qualities, then it might have been surprising!
On the other hand, people expected that girl to be unruly and uncouth. But she changed the views of the people by not being any inferior than the ladies of the Capital. Hence she is praised more!
Moreover, people wouldn't like to offend Roman in any way. Thus even if they want to, they couldn't bad-mouth her!"
But Lilian didn't want to listen to anyone. It was like something triggered in her mind and she wanted to destroy herself.
"To be truthful Alastair, I don't want you to say all this, I just need a little help from you! I have thought of a plan. You just have a small role in it! I want Roman and Alexandria to live unhappily!
For this, you need to dig out more about my late father-in-law! Nobody could be so honest and noble that they haven't done a single bad deed in their whole life! Moreover, I still remember, though I might be incorrect, that father was talking something about the old General some years back! I just need you to do this small task, rest I will take care of!"