Chapter 11
Part 3
Chaeri's Plan — Let the Games Begin
Chaeri watches from the capital. Her father, the Duke of Rudolph, is collapsing under the pressure. The court is on fire. Killian's rage is rising. And Adrien and Ophelia? Off somewhere feeding swans and gazing lovingly into each other's eyes.
Chaeri's jaw clenches.
Chaeri (coldly): They want peace? I'll give them chaos.
Attempt #1: Sabotage the Seraphim Trade Routes
Chaeri leaks forged documents and bribes officials to "accidentally" delay shipments linked to the Seraphim merchant fleets. She thinks she's struck gold.
Seraphim Trade Overseer (reviewing the logs): Ah, a fake inspection request. Cute.
Aide #1: Already rerouted all cargo through allied ports. Minimal loss.
Aide #2 (smirking): We've also identified every official involved. Their careers end in a week.
Meanwhile...
Ophelia (in her villa, sipping lemonade): Mmm. Did something happen?
Adrien (feeding her a cherry): No idea. I trust the staff.
Attempt #2: Create a Scandal
Chaeri plants rumors—"Ophelia is mentally unstable," "Adrien is plotting treason," "They're secretly planning to flee to Evlencia."
But before the whispers take root…
Former Intelligence Officer turned Adrien's Butler: Lady Chaeri's source? Bribed. Her messenger? Intercepted. Her letters? Copied.
Aide (to the press): We've traced a coordinated misinformation campaign. All perpetrators are being detained.
The scandal? Reversed onto Chaeri. She becomes the subject of ridicule.
Headline:
"Is Lady Chaeri Behind the Empire's Collapse?"
Chaeri (furious): Why does nothing stick?!
Ophelia's Response: Silence the Salons
Ophelia sends one notice.
"Effective immediately, all Seraphim-funded salons, libraries, and retreats will be closed indefinitely. We are on holiday."
Every lady in the capital gasps.
Lady Giselda: But—but my poetry club!
Baroness Elowen: That was our only reprieve!
...........................................................................................
Ophelia (to Adrien): You know what the capital loves more than tea and gossip?
Adrien: Access.
Adrien's Response: Shut Down the Joy
With one decree to his steward, Adrien closes every elite leisure venue he owns—from fine restaurants to tea gardens, public parks to stargazing towers.
Official Announcement:
"His Royal Highness' properties will undergo... eternal renovations."
Minister (in disbelief): He owned all those? Even the Whispering Orchid Café?!
Aide: Yes. All of them. Including the wine vault.
The nobility: What do you mean we can't eat in peace anymore?!
The Nobles: On Their Knees
Duke Marlowe: I don't care whose ego was bruised! We're all starving for leisure!
Dowager Countess: There's no tea! No books! No music! Not even shade! It's all closed!
Aunties in unison:
"We demand the Crown Prince and his wife return!
Chaeri: Completely Frozen Out
Her last plan? A grand confrontation. She prepares a venom-laced speech. A moment of attack. She arrives—
Only to find: no audience. No court. No Adrien. No Ophelia. Just silence.
Chaeri (desperate): Why does no one respond?!
Lady-in-Waiting (quietly): Because they have better things to do. Everyone is drowning in work!
Meanwhile… The Lovers
Ophelia paints on a canvas. Adrien naps with his head in her lap. A tray of summer fruit sits untouched. They hum softly, unbothered.
Ophelia (smiling): Do you think they've learned their lesson?
Adrien (eyes closed): No. But they've certainly learned who's in charge.