32: The Encrypted Letter
Back to the present…
Nearly two months had passed since the wedding.
Irene spent most of her time in the library, immersed in her studies—reading books, taking notes. At the same time, during this period,
she did everything in her power to earn Duke Richard's respect.
As she had learned in Eiscard, she visited him frequently, under the pretense of curiosity and a desire to learn.
She discussed political matters with him, asked about the state of the country, and sometimes offered clever suggestions for economic or social issues.
At first, he hid his surprise, then began to see her as a young woman with a mind worthy of respect.
She got closer to him than anyone had expected—and deservedly so.
Not for Eiscard's sake, but because this had been part of her plan all along.
On a quiet afternoon, while she sat in the western corner of the library, the head butler approached her with a letter.
– "A letter for you, milady… from the Kingdom of Eiscard, sent by Queen Elvira."
He said it respectfully and handed her the sealed envelope.
Irene looked at the paper with cautious surprise. Her heart raced, though her features remained composed.
The seal was official, bearing the royal insignia of the Eiscard family. At first glance, it appeared to be a regular letter from her stepmother.
But when she opened it, she found much more…
The text seemed formal on the surface—ordinary phrases, nothing suspicious.
But Irene's sharp eyes didn't miss the details.
Each line of the letter contained coded words, written in slightly deeper strokes, with ink varying ever so faintly in shade.
The letter, in reality, was the first official request from the kingdom—written in secret code Irene could read thanks to her training in Eiscard.
The message said:
> "The time has come.
Submit a request to attend the State Council at the earliest opportunity.
We need accurate information about the economic conditions in Valerian.
Any detail, no matter how trivial, will be of great value.
We trust you. We await your move before winter begins."
Irene read the letter to the end, then calmly folded it.
She muttered with a sarcastic smile:
– "You trust me?.."
And laughed.
She had been waiting for this moment.
No—she had been planning it.
From the moment she set foot in this palace, she knew this step was coming,
and that the time would come for her to act officially.
She took a deep breath and looked out the library window toward the garden.
The letter wasn't a surprise… it was the starting signal.
Irene decided she would finally speak directly with Richard about her desire to attend the royal council.
And if he refused, she had already thought of a way to carve her path there on her own.
---
The next morning, she requested a private meeting with Duke Richard.
She entered with steady steps and sat before him as usual—but this time, her gaze was sharper.
He noticed her unusual silence and asked:
– "Is something troubling you today?"
She answered calmly:
– "Yes, I have a small request."
He raised his brow slightly:
– "Go on."
– "Your Grace, you now know my interests and passion for politics and economics more than anyone else in this house, so... I'd like to request permission to attend the upcoming Royal Council."
He stared at her for a long moment, silent.
– "Why? What compels you to do that?"
Irene smiled lightly and said:
– "I am now the wife of Valerian's Supreme Commander.
As you know, I spent my life studying politics and economics, and I used to participate in Eiscard's council regularly.
Now… I want to do the same in Valerian."
Richard responded cautiously:
– "No one doubts your interests, and I've seen your intellect firsthand…
But the council isn't open to just anyone. Even if I approve, you'll face opposition from the council members—the native nobles of Valerian."
She looked at him firmly and said:
– "I now officially belong to the royal family of Valerian. Even if they don't like it, I'm prepared.
I'm not asking for a favor… I'm asking for my right, and I will prove my competence if I'm given the chance."
Richard paused at her last words, looking at her deeply, as if reading between the lines.
Then he said quietly:
– "You seem very determined… Are you certain about this decision?"
She replied:
– "Absolutely."
He nodded slowly and said:
– "Very well. I'll look into it."
Irene smiled and said:
– "Thank you very much, Father. I'll excuse myself now."
---
She left the room quietly, a small smile on her lips.
The feeling of victory.
Her efforts over the past three months had not been in vain.
She had succeeded on her first try—this was a major step in her plan.
---
After leaving the Duke's office, Irene returned to her private quarters.
For the first time in weeks, she decided to give herself a day of rest—a reward
for her first success… a step she had long awaited. She needed to breathe, if only for a moment.
She changed out of her formal attire and into something simpler, then headed to the quiet garden behind the eastern wing.
She asked the servants to bring her a pot of tea and some fruit, and sat there… alone.
She made a conscious decision not to think.
Not about Eiscard.
Not about Valerian.
Not even about the letter.
Just… peace.
She sat still for hours,
watching sunbeams sneak through the leaves,
listening to the birds chirping,
as if escaping into a childhood moment she never had.
---
Suddenly, she heard soft footsteps approaching.
She slowly lifted her eyes… and saw Queen Elizabeth.
She wore an ivory dress, her hair neatly pinned up. She sat beside Irene without formality and smiled kindly:
– "Have you been here all this time, Irene?
Is something wrong?"
Irene shook her head and replied gently:
– "No… nothing.
I just… enjoy contemplating."
Elizabeth nodded with understanding, then said in a soft voice:
– "You know… we hold a royal ball every month, as is customary in Valerian.
I'll never pressure you to attend—I respect your privacy.
But… if you ever change your mind, let me know.
Everyone is curious about you, as you might expect."
Irene paused for a moment, thinking to herself:
Her next step was to build allies… and reach Emilia.
Perhaps… this party might be the right opportunity to act.
She lifted her eyes and said to the Queen in a gentle tone:
– "Actually…
I've been thinking about attending one of the parties with you over these past months, but I was hesitant.
Now, I feel like I've grown up—and I'm married after all—and I want to try the things I never did before.
I want to be more social.
After all… I can't avoid people forever.
It might harm the family's reputation… and Lucas's too."
Elizabeth looked at her with a warm smile and said:
– "My dear Irene…
You don't have to pressure yourself for anyone.
Do what makes you comfortable… and don't overthink the consequences."
Irene looked at her softly, and felt something strange… warm, reassuring, genuine.
Then… she smiled.
A sincere, gentle, beautiful smile—one no one in this palace had ever seen before.
Elizabeth was momentarily surprised, and just stared at her.
Finally, Irene said in a calm tone:
– "I'm not forcing myself.
I've wanted this for a long time."
Elizabeth studied her features, then said with quiet delight:
– "Well then, my dear…
If that's what you want, I'll be happy to go with you.
At last… I'll be proud to show off my beautiful daughter-in-law."
Irene chuckled gently and replied in a soft, playful voice:
– "Actually, I'll be the one showing off the beauty… of my mother-in-law."
Irene felt a little shy—she wasn't used to saying such things at all.
Elizabeth laughed as well and said nothing more.
But the warmth that bloomed between them in that moment… was not fleeting.
---
They sat together for a while, sipping tea and chatting about light things.
And for a fleeting moment, Irene felt something she hadn't in a long time…
That familiar feeling she once had near Fantine.
Even if the world was against her…
Even if it was filled with injustice and deceit…
That 0.1% of kind souls… was enough to give her strength,
and remind her she was not alone after all