Volume I: Chapter 12: Serpentine Dukedom
Being neither neutral like the Temple nor an ally, the Serpentine Dukedom is one of the most powerful and infamous families in the empire. It was never intimidated by the imperial family, instead, it attacked through false information. That kind of arrogance and conceit comes from possessing a consistent and lasting power before the official establishment of the empire. (The power of the Serpentine family is comparable to that of social media in contemporary culture; they can control information that revolves in any position in society.) They are suspected of defaming, and shaming the reputations of several nobles, and even hiding smuggling, human trafficking, and gambling.
They are also suspected of accepting bribery and being involved in political corruption.
Lady Lulu asked the brides of the emperor., "Does the Serpentine family have an heir that is soon to wed?"
Lady Sa-rang responded, "Yes, Lady Luxsiel, they have."
Lady Oscel found it intriguing and remarked, "I heard they are a very powerful family. Is the emperor feeding you power?"
Everyone remains silent.
"Yes and no," the honorary lady answered.
"Well, if he is feeding you power. you can lure the Serpentine duke and make him fall in love with you, then use its power for good." The suggestion was made by Lady Lulu.
"The Duke and I will never get along. There are a few meetings that we are into and we always end up in great arguments because of his malicious way of thinking. Everything is for their benefit," the honorary stated.
"In a way, yes, it seems like he is giving me power but it is not for my benefit it is either to test me or to punish me. In general, he is still in control of the whole situation," she said.
"Testing? How?" Oscel asked.
"The Dukedom was never on the good side with the whole empire but it is still very powerful and influential. The emperor needs a bait." she explained
He was testing me if I would turn around from my principles and use that power to win. The Serpentine's power is not bad however, it is used in wicked schemes and it is not under one person but the whole family from the main household to the extended side united into one motive which is always no good. Lady Luxsiel changing someone's perspective and motive is a fairytale and I am not handling only one but a whole family. Also being part of that family is a total suicide to me. They will use me and my standing." she said.
Everyone was silent, they didn't dare to speak about the idea that was somehow similar to what was happening,
"Just like how my mother did," she directed.
"I can use their power in society but they will use mine to penetrate the whole central kingdom and, at worst, the empire," she said.
"But why will the emperor make such a risky move?" Sa-rang asked.
"As I mentioned, he is in control in general. They are the same as Father always letting the enemy go, hence, they won't let the enemy linger without restrictions. The Serpentine family is under full surveillance, and all investigations are being done pushing them to the edge. It might be that my engagement is giving them another open space to move; however, the emperor will surely set traps just to lure them all together at once. I am just the bait," she explained.
"I starting to hate the emperor," Sa-rang commented.
"Don't hate him. He is fighting against me fairly, my dear," The princess said.
"You know that's not the worst part yet, the worst part is he can use the whole incident to remove me from my position," she said.
"Princess" Vladimir knocked at the door.
She allowed him to come in and report.
"Duke Sheldon arrived in the Capital," he announced.
The ladies try to hide their giggles, covering their mouths. The mood is completely altered.
"It is said about the crisis but.." Vlad paused.
"But?" the imperial princess asked, waiting for his next words to utter.
"Nothing, my lady," he said.
'I doubt it is because of the crisis," he thought.
"Well, I think I prefer Duke Sheldon over Duke Serpentine for the honorary Lady," Lady Luxsiel suggested boldly.