Honesto Ducal Estate

I still can't wrap my head around how different the imperial family is in this timeline compared to the one I know. They were supposed to be easily controlled, like pieces on a chessboard. My plan was to manipulate them, using them as tools to pave the way for Alfonso Adinerado's ascent to the throne, with me by his side as empress. But everything's gone haywire. They're not weak; they're not what I expected. Gonzalo, once so infatuated with Alfonso, suddenly annulled his engagement. And Gavino, he coldly sentenced his fiancée to what seemed like a death sentence, as if he couldn't care less.

The empress, a member of our house, offered no help after the humiliation at the crown prince's coronation. It only worsened the rumors of her mistreatment by our family. My mother is always competitive around her, indicating some untold history between them. She hated the empress, that's for sure, her and my grandmother. She's considered our family's dark secret, born of a maid whose whereabouts remain unknown. Priest Sinag claims she's our family's sin, a result of my grandfather's actions. House Honesto has no record of illegitimate children, and she's one of them. We used her for politics, marrying her off to Emperor Gustavo Benevolencia. She used to support us, but after Gonzalo and Gavino's public scandals, our allies in the holy temple were ousted from their positions and thrown into jail. Priest Sinag, who nearly seized control as pope, was banished to the lost city.

Damn it all! Why is everything unraveling like this? Power is shifting, that much is clear. Something's amiss in this timeline.

"Elena, tell Father I need to speak with him urgently."

"Yes, my lady."

Duke Honesto’s Office

“Father, we've got to do something about these rumors going around about us. Have you heard them? They're spreading like wildfire,” I exclaimed.

“What's wrong with the rumors, cousin? They're exactly what we've been planning all along. Usurping the throne? Placing our supporters in key temple roles?” Marco replied casually.

“Oh, Marco, what brings you here? Isn't it time for you to be at the university?” I teased.

Marco, my cousin, is the son of my father’s older brother and his wife from another branch of the Ducal House of Coraje. They were very close, spoiling him, until a tragedy struck during a holiday trip to Vienna. Everyone assumed Marco’s parents had died since no word ever came from them. The House of Coraje wanted Marco to recuperate with them, but my father insisted he stay with my aunt. However, I later learned he was mistreated by my aunt’s children. Strangely, that changed. My aunt and her children began treating Marco kindly, even fearfully. Servants at their house started treating him like the head of the family. When did this change start? Was it around the time the imperial family started making changes?

“They said the university lessons were too advanced for me, so I’ve got a 4-month vacation. An extra 2 months on top of the summer break. Looks like we'll be spending a lot of time together,” Marco explained.

Seeing him, I felt he wasn't the same person, much like the imperial family. But I played along.

“That's great. Best of luck,” I replied.

“Thanks, cuz. Looking forward to your schemes,” Marco said confidently, a far cry from his usual demeanor.

“Oh, Marco. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

After our brief exchange, Marco left.

“Why is he here, Father?” I asked.

“He thinks he's figured out a way for our family to regain the people’s trust. He wants to meet the imperial family and gain their trust to infiltrate their household,” my father explained.

“And how does he plan to infiltrate? And how will you introduce him?” I inquired.

“Relax, my dear daughter. I’ll write to Empress Catalina, offering Marco’s services for free, claiming he’s skilled in apothecary. They're in need of an apothecary, so they might be interested,” my father assured.

“What does Marco know about apothecary?” I questioned.

Father revealed a potion and cut himself with a knife, applying the potion to heal the wound instantly.

“See this, Mariana? Surprising, but Marco has inherited some of our family’s special abilities,” my father revealed.

“Didn’t I tell you to trust me?” he added.

“I do, but how can we be sure Marco’s loyalty lies with us?” I pressed.

“Marco has always sought our family’s approval. Your aunt told me he treasures small praises and gifts,” my father explained.

“But when he spoke to me, he seemed cunning,” I countered.

“You’re overthinking. He was timid and shy when he asked me for a favor,” my father disagreed.

“Father, did you not see how he spoke to me when I entered? Is that timid to you?” I asked.

“What are you talking about, Mariana? He was bowing his head. Are you unwell?” my father asked, puzzled.

What’s happening? My father’s perception doesn’t match reality. Marco can’t use mind control right? This power is ancient. What’s going on here?

“Never mind, Father. Just ensure Marco infiltrates the imperial family,” I said, frustrated.

I don’t care about Marco’s hidden powers. I’ll use him as long as I can, then discard him if he betrays me. I’ll keep a close eye on you, Marco.