Episode 6

The following day, Katerina gets ready to go out. She is relieved that her mother is secluded, which makes things easier. Fortunately, her father doesn't question her much and lets her leave on the condition of taking guards, including Jane. She leaves the house a few hours early to arrive at the agreed place on time.

The carriage stops at a mansion far from the city, which belonged to Arek's paternal grandmother. Katerina asks the guards to wait, and only Jane accompanies her inside. There, she is greeted by Jack, who guides her to a private room where Arek awaits her. Upon entering, Jack and Jane stay outside. Katerina approaches the second prince and curtsies.

"I must say I was surprised by the unexpected visit of your spy."

"According to him, you didn't seem very surprised. But let's get to what you really came for."

"As I said, I'm giving you the opportunity to help you obtain the throne and your revenge."

"I could do that on my own, why would I need you? Why, the Saint?"

"That title is false. I have no divine magic; it's all planned by my mother." Katerina leaves a necklace on the table.

It had a white gem and a slight presence of healing mana, as a large amount was used to heal that person, which led the temple to believe she was the Saint. In the story, it was revealed that it was the Marquess who did everything, so when the real Saint appeared, Katerina couldn't use divine mana because everything was done through these enchanted objects, and even Katerina didn't know it. Arek holds the gem, noticing the mana.

"I hear you faithfully obey your mother, you didn't even go to school with your brother."

"My mother made me sick to prevent me from taking the exam; she didn't want me away from her. She only cares that I be the perfect wife to climb the social ladder if I marry the Crown Prince."

"And why do you obey her? From what I saw in the palace, you have your father's support."

"I was playing along because I want the throne, but I don't want the Crown Prince. He's not fit to be Emperor. However, you are perfect." She smiles slyly.

"You flatter me. Let's say I agree to be your ally, how can you help me, or how will you prove you are trustworthy?"

Katerina keeps her smile and hands him a small piece of paper with something written on it—an address and time.

"Go to that place. It will serve to show that you do what is necessary for the people. After that, I await our next meeting." Katerina winks at him.

Arek is surprised and can only watch her leave, then looks at the note she gave him.

Just as Katerina told him, Arek went to the address given to him. Upon entering, he discovered an illegal gambling den. Arek's guards and he proceeded to shut down the place and capture everyone involved, including a couple of nobles who support the Empress. Surely, when she found out about their capture, she would come to get them out and clear her name, something he did not intend to allow. So, everyone captured that night was taken to a house Arek owned far from town, where he would keep them in custody while he thoroughly investigated their crimes. This way, the Empress wouldn't be able to do anything for them or risk tarnishing her image, although he would make sure the rumor of the illegal casino raid spread.

As soon as dawn broke, before noon, it was known about the place and how several nobles may have been captured that night. The Empress went to the throne room to hear what Arek had to say. The ministers congratulated him on his work, since at only 15 years old, he was already doing a lot for the Empire.

"With you in charge of security, the Empire has nothing to fear. I believe you should be an example for the Crown Prince," the Prime Minister mentioned.

Hearing this, the Empress clenched her hands in annoyance since the Crown Prince was not usually praised like Arek.

"The Crown Prince is also making an effort, Minister. He is learning everything to be a good ruler."

"Let's hope so, Your Majesty. You know the nobles are talking; the position of heir is not yet secure."

The Prime Minister seemed to only enjoy going against the Empress. Without further ado, Arek asked for permission to retire, and the Empress did the same, catching up with Arek.

"Don't think that this secures you the crown. Be careful what you do," she warned.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty, I don't seek to overshadow my brother. If he makes an effort, I won't be a rival to him."

Arek went on his way, leaving a furious Empress. She needed to get rid of that boy as soon as possible, for he was only overshadowing the achievements of the Crown Prince.

The Marquis and Katerina went to the temple; the Marquis requested to see the Cardinal. They were both taken to his office, and the Marquis mentioned that they were there because Katerina had something to say, although she seemed afraid.

"My mother forced me to use this... I'm sorry, I didn't know what it was, but when I found out, I thought the right thing to do was to tell the truth." Katerina shows an expression of sadness and fear as she hands over the same necklace she showed Arek.

"It has healing mana..." He observes the object. "Why would the Marquess give you this if you possess divine mana?"

The Marquis was confused as well.

"If I don't use that, I have no divine power, that's why my mother always forces me to use it." She covers her face with her hands. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I didn't know... Father, forgive me; I've brought dishonor to the family."

Katerina falls to her knees, clinging to her father's clothes and crying. The Marquis asks her to calm down and stand up. The Cardinal is stunned by Katerina's words, as they mean that she is not actually the Saint. The temple has been deceived.

"This is unforgivable, Lady Katerina. Deceiving the temple in this way deserves dea..."

"Are you not listening? This is her mother's doing. If she wanted to deceive, she wouldn't come to tell you anything. Cardinal, be careful how you proceed with this." The Marquis hugs his daughter, ready to attack if they try to take Katerina away.

"I-I understand, Marquis... It's just that this is... an offense to the Goddess. How could the Marquess do such a thing?" The Cardinal is furious.

"My wife only seeks greater influence in society. I can't believe the lengths she's willing to go to achieve that." The Marquis says furiously.

The Cardinal observes the object; they never realized they had been deceived. As the Marquis says, Katerina was used by her mother.

"Marquis, you know that such deception cannot be forgiven. Your wife has attempted to deceive the temple."

"I know, Your Excellency, my wife does more crazy things every day. Proceed as you see fit, but do no harm to my daughter; she is a victim of her mother's ambitions." The Marquis looks at his daughter sadly and strokes her hair.

Katerina is sent out of the Cardinal's office, while the Marquis remains to speak with him. He still can't promise anything, but it seems she won't be affected. As soon as the Marquess's deception is known, surely the Empress will want to break off the engagement.

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