The Princess Imprint A Traitor - Chapter 32: The Nocturnal Salon (5)

“……”

“I’ll be more careful from now on. Please, forgive me, Lady.”

Unintentionally, Eve’s demeanor had scared Rimona. Well, this was the heart of a banquet where nobles indulged in their perversions and cruelty without restraint. To Rimona, Eve probably seemed like just another demon among them.

“…Enough. You should go.”

Eve replied softly, barely above a whisper, then turned away, looking tormented.

“Oh…”

Left behind, Rimona stood frozen for a moment, as if bewildered that she had escaped without being slapped. She stared at Eve’s retreating figure before snapping back to reality when someone urgently called her name.

Not long after, as Eve stood on the fourth-floor balcony, she heard the sound of singing. The melody and voice were far too precious to be wasted on such a depraved gathering.

‘Once this is over, I’ll have to clean out the Pegasus Theater.’

As she gazed down at the banquet hall with dark, contemplative eyes, someone approached her.

“It’s a refreshing autumn night. Would you care for a drink?”

“…A night where the cries of fattened livestock reach the heavens. I’ll take one.”

Breaking her usual rule, Eve reached for the offered drink. She knew the person. Of course, neither of them actually drank. They simply exchanged glances in greeting and got straight to business.

“Alvin, report the situation.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Seeing the sly smirk that couldn’t be hidden even behind a mask, Eve felt some of her earlier anger dissipate.

Alvin began to speak.

“We’ve planted intelligence operatives throughout the premises. We have allies not only among the nobles but also among the Hadenfork household staff. However, golems and artifacts are strictly prohibited from being brought in, making it difficult to collect evidence. We have to rely on manual surveillance.”

“That must also make it hard to smuggle out solid proof. That’s why I’m here with the title of Special Operations Chief, isn’t it? Report to me the moment you find anything.”

“It’s reassuring to have Your Highness here.”

The intelligence unit infiltrating the estate was divided into three groups. Their tasks were: rescuing victims of human trafficking, uncovering stockpiles of narcotic aphrodisiacs, and securing ledgers that would serve as undeniable evidence for both crimes.

“What’s the status of the ledgers?”

“Not yet.”

“Are you certain it’s in the secret estate and not the main household?”

“Yes. What we do know for sure is that it’s here. This estate was renovated not just for the secret gatherings of the Night Society but also to serve as a vault for Count Hadenfork’s illicit assets. The ledgers, along with all the black money he has accumulated, are likely hidden in a place only he knows.”

As long as it was here, that was enough. Eve smiled as she gave her command.

“We could lock down the estate and conduct a full-scale raid, but that would be far too troublesome for us, wouldn’t it?”

“Indeed.”

“Tell Unit 3 not to move recklessly until we’ve secured the trafficking victims and located the drug storeroom. Have them keep an eye on Count Hadenfork instead. Once Units 1 and 2 complete their missions, we’ll press the count and track his movements.”

“Ahh, as expected of Your Highness. You’re cornering the rat in its own den. It’d be a shame to just stand back and watch such an entertaining hunt—I’d like to personally handle this.”

“That means there won’t be any mistakes. It’s reassuring to have you by my side. I’ll be sure to spread the word—whoever has Alvin Redmon will hold the Empire in their grasp.”

“Oh, Your Highness, you flatter me. Heh.”

As usual, Eve and Alvin exchanged thumbs-ups, their camaraderie as sovereign and vassal unwavering.

Just then, a commotion erupted below the fourth-floor balcony. Someone in the banquet hall was being harassed. Eve’s expression darkened, the air around her growing heavy. Sensing the shift, Alvin dropped his playful demeanor and observed her carefully.

“How do you feel about the spectacle?”

“The number of buildings I want to demolish just increased from one to two.”

“Oh? What’s the first one?”

“I’ll tell you later.”

“Please do. I, Alvin Redmon, will eliminate whatever offends Your Highness as proof of my loyalty.”

“That’s reassuring.”

The first target was a homunculus breeding facility in the polar regions. Eve smirked bitterly. If Alvin was willing to join her not only in securing the throne but also in liberating homunculi, he would become an incredible ally—but for now, that remained uncertain.

Alvin gazed down at the decadent scene unfolding in the banquet hall, his voice dropping low.

“This is only the surface. Given the underground layout of this estate, I’d wager even more horrific acts are taking place below. You’ve seen the renovation blueprints—this basement is as vast as the Chansley Baths.”

“We need to move quickly if we want to save them. How’s the preparation outside?”

“Sir Agnito is handling it well.”

“Good. Keep up the good work.”

Having received a full report and exchanged confidential plans, it was time to move separately to avoid suspicion. Eve and Alvin exchanged parting words.

“This place is far too corrupt for someone as righteous as you. Take care of yourself.”

“Khh, I’m honored by Your Highness’ concern. Please, may you swat away the insects buzzing around you and preserve your noble form.”

“Oh, don’t worry about me. I learned a special spell from my master for occasions like this. I hope I won’t have to use it, though.”

“Oh? What kind of spell?”

“Curious?”

Eve stretched out a hand as if casting a spell, flashing a mischievous smile. Instinctively, Alvin crossed his arms protectively, shrinking back.

“N-No, it looks dangerous.”

“Smart choice. I wouldn’t want to ruin your future marriage prospects.”

“Wha—?!”

“Anyway, keep up the good work.”

“Ah, yes! I’ll bring results that will satisfy you.”

Leaving Alvin behind, Eve descended to the second floor. Her cold amber eyes swept across the depraved gathering, scrutinizing every detail. Some individuals were so intoxicated in their debauchery that they hadn’t even noticed their masks had fallen off.

‘The ones tied up behind that curtain are the three young masters of the Count of Sermund’s family… The ones dancing half-naked around the poles are Baron Andante and his wife… And those idiots pouring wine over themselves? That’s Viscount Pelham and Countess Amathes…’

Recognizing the faces of those tangled together in depravity only deepened Eve’s sense of dismay. Just as she suppressed a sigh and turned away, trouble came straight to her.

There was no way that a woman as stunning as Eve, wandering alone in this sinister society, would be left undisturbed. A man—handsome enough at first glance—swaggered toward her with confidence.

“Well, well! A beautiful flower blooming so proudly on its own in a place like this? How about it? Would you care to learn the pleasures of fully blossoming under me on this fine night…?”

What a vomit-inducing line.

Eve took a deep breath to suppress the nausea rising in her throat. After a brief moment of contemplation, she decided to use the same tactic she had employed to fend off persistent noble sons at imperial masquerade balls.

“I’m a married woman with two children.”

However, she had underestimated the caliber of the men in this place.

“Oh! That’s perfect. I’m a married man myself!”

“…What? Perfect…?”

“Affairs are always more thrilling, aren’t they?! Come now, my lady!”

“…….”

Eve barely stopped herself from abandoning all pretense of grace and calling him a lunatic to his face. Forcing down her disbelief, she scanned the reactions of those around her. As expected, the other male nobles who had been eyeing her murmured in disappointment, lamenting that they had missed their chance.

Ha.

Unlike the imperial social circles, which maintained at least a semblance of decorum despite their openness, this place had no such boundaries.

“Wait.”

At this point, Eve decided to be bold. Clenching her fist tightly, she flashed a dazzling smile.

“Let’s all go together. They say the more, the merrier, after all.”

“Ah! You truly understand, my lady!”

The men cheered enthusiastically, their excitement palpable. She led the deranged fools into a private chamber along the second-floor wall, a secretive space modeled after the Pearl Oyster Room in the imperial palace.

The moment the thick curtains were drawn shut, the noblemen, panting with excitement, began hurriedly undressing. That was when Eve, standing closest to one of them, abruptly pushed him onto the soft sheets.

“Lie down.”

“Ohh, my lady! So aggressive…! Ahhh… huh?”

Thud!

“W-What the…?”

Thud! Thud! One by one, every noble in the room collapsed unconscious. It was a sleep spell. The half-dressed men snored in discordant rhythms, completely unaware of what had just happened. Eve gazed coldly at the disgraceful scene before her, then raised one hand.

“Faithless, honorless men like you deserve punishment.”

A chilling light enveloped their lower bodies—a formidable spell that severed the lineage of noble bloodlines.

After allowing enough time for the spell to take effect, Eve swept aside the curtain and stepped out of the room.

“Whew…”

Brushing her bangs back with a satisfied expression, she suddenly felt an uncomfortable weight of gazes on her.

“Oh my, she came out before the men.”

“Can you believe it? Even five men weren’t enough to satisfy her… what stamina.”

“Which noble house is she from? Impressive.”

Many had been watching her ever since she confidently led the men into the room.

Damn. That was a mistake. I can’t afford to attract attention.

Realizing her blunder too late, Eve began subtly looking for a place to disappear.

Just then, the music stopped. A hushed murmur spread across the first floor.

What’s going on?

Scandals and disturbances were common in these gatherings, but the music never stopped. Sensing that something was amiss, Eve gripped the balcony railing and peered down. Her eyes widened in shock.

At the center of the commotion stood none other than Rimona.

“Well, well, look who it is! The capital’s greatest singer, Rimona Lund! I thought you didn’t attend these kinds of gatherings?”

“Tch. It must be because she’s gotten arrogant after receiving the Seventh Princess’ patronage. How insolent.”

“A mere gypsy.”

“Look at those filthy, curly locks of hers.”

Drunk on alcohol and drugs, the nobles revealed their true, vile nature, making Rimona their latest target. They didn’t just disrupt the performance by barging onto the stage—they went further, taunting her openly. Instead of intervening, the onlookers watched with amusement, some even egging them on.

“…….”