A Mastermind? No, I'm just the Live-In Son-in-Law-Chapter 159: Blackout and Concealment (3)

Roughly thirty minutes later. At the entrance to the road leading to House Embergreen.

“This is your final warning.”

The House of Duke Embergreen was no stranger to incidents and scandals—rivaling even the infamous Count Ringaarden’s estate—but what happened today ranked among the most intense events in years.

“Disarm yourselves and clear the path.”

Tension hung in the air as the Embergreen Knights blocked the road to their estate. Opposite them stood the First Holy Paladin Order—the greatest force of the Holy Theocracy—adorned in radiant white armor.

“Refuse, and you will all be deemed heretics.”

At the forefront of the paladins, a commanding voice rang out. The paladin raised his voice with overwhelming authority.

“This is not an idle threat. I have the legal authority to declare everyone in this area a heretic.”

While most paladins were held in high esteem as the might of the Holy Theocracy—often referred to simply as the Holy Nation—this particular man was on a different level.

The man standing at the head of the Paladin Order was the former commander who wielded authority rivaling the Pope himself—until the emergence of Saintess Hestia. Even now, despite most power being shifted to her, he remained the Supreme Commander of the Theocracy's military forces.

“Just as you say it’s no idle threat, I’ll say the same.”

Had the person standing before him been anyone other than the infamous Meredia Embergreen—renowned across both the Empire and foreign lands—the Holy Paladins likely would’ve already begun their so-called “heretic purification.”

“Take one more step, and I can’t guarantee your lives.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Because one step further would legally put you inside the Embergreen estate.”

That was why, even just by standing her ground, Meredia alone was enough to hold back the mighty Holy Order—a feat in itself.

“We’re here with the Emperor’s permission. Do you not realize that refusing us would be not only heresy, but also treason?”

“You must not know, but whatever the Emperor says, House Embergreen’s estate has been under extraterritorial privilege for generations. It’s an old, ironclad rule.”

The Supreme Commander, trying to reason with her despite her icy glare, fell silent after her firm rebuttal.

“Even if the Emperor himself stormed in, he would have no right to search this place.”

“......”

“Of course, overwhelming force makes laws meaningless. That’s been the simplest solution since ancient times, right?”

A chilling light flickered in the Supreme Commander’s eyes as he replied to her mocking tone.

“Purifying unconverted territories and areas steeped in heresy—that is our sacred mission.”

“......”

“If we act now, we can resolve this with minimal loss. But if you insist on holding your position—”

But before he could finish, Meredia cut in with a voice laced with murderous intent.

“Still think that’s a good idea?”

“...What do you mean?”

“You’ve heard the rumors about me, haven’t you?”

Slowly, the crimson glow began to creep across Meredia’s jewel-like eyes.

“I’m sorry, but eliminating those who go against my will is something I’m quite skilled at. Withdraw now, and we can still walk away with minimal casualties.”

“Seems we have an irreconcilable difference in views.”

“Likewise.”

The Supreme Commander, staring at her intently, raised his voice once more—now cold as ice.

“First Holy Paladin Order—assume combat formation.”

“All blades forward. Defensive positions!”

Meredia, not to be outdone, gave her own command. In perfect coordination, both factions began forming battle lines.

“Objective: total annihilation. Capture the leader if possible. If not—kill.”

“I’m tired of talking. Just do the opposite of whatever they were told.”

Thus, just before a full-blown catastrophe—the first clash in centuries between the might of the Holy Nation and the Empire—was about to erupt...

“Everyone, please wait a moment.”

A gentle, almost divine voice rang out from behind the armed paladins.

“Saintess? What is it?”

“......”

“Yes? But—”

The Supreme Commander turned his head in a panic toward the voice and quickly engaged in a hushed conversation with the person who had approached from behind.

“Understood. I dare not defy the Apostle of God.”

Gone was his earlier obstinance—he bowed his head and immediately issued new orders.

“First Holy Paladin Order, disarm. Form ranks to the sides and allow the Saintess to pass.”

At his command, the paladins who had moments ago aimed their spears forward now parted like a wave, lining up on either side.

“It’s been a long time, Lady Meredia.”

Walking slowly through the newly opened path was none other than Saintess Hestia—the heart of power within the Holy Theocracy.

“......”

Though Meredia’s gaze was wary, she raised her hand slightly, motioning for her knights to lower their weapons as she watched the unarmed Hestia walk alone toward her.

“...It’s been a while since that day.”

And after a pause, Meredia took slow steps forward as well, speaking quietly.

“Yes. Though not that long, really. But I’m sure much has happened to us both.”

“...You speak as if you know exactly what.”

“Haha... perhaps I do, perhaps I don’t.”

There, standing between two opposing armies, the two women began their conversation—one wearing a fierce expression, the other radiating calm.

“Enough of the preamble. Explain what this nonsense is about.”

“I do sincerely apologize for leading troops to your estate so rudely.”

“Surprising. You know it’s rude, yet you did it anyway?”

“We had no choice, given our position.”

Meredia’s biting words were met with a gentle response from Hestia.

“And that reason would be...?”

“We received a report. That House Embergreen harbors facilities and research related to black magic.”

Meredia’s expression stiffened as her thoughts turned to her father, the Duke. She let out a derisive snort.

“Hah. You must have evidence to be making a claim like that?”

“Of course. We confirmed substantial proof.”

“Then whatever it is—it’s fake.”

Though Hestia stood firm, Meredia’s rebuttal was equally resolute.

“Inside my mansion, black magic cannot take a single step.”

“Is that so?”

“You should know, right? The condition I’m in now?”

Hestia’s gaze lingered briefly on Meredia’s hand before returning to her face.

“Many people, driven by desperation, fall into black magic.”

“You should watch what you say.”

“Apologies. I know well you’re not someone who’d fall for such petty bait.” 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Hestia chuckled quietly, but her tone sharpened as she continued.

“Still, given that we have undeniable proof, we are obligated to investigate the estate.”

She hesitated momentarily, then added,

“And on a different note... we’ve ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ also received another type of report.”

“Another type?”

“Well, I admit it’s hard to believe, but...”

Meredia glared as if to ask what kind of nonsense she was about to hear. But Hestia’s next words made her go completely blank.

“There are claims that you’ve forcibly detained Whitney Ringaarden, using him as a slave to strengthen your power.”

“...What?”

“And that you’ve subjected him to various forms of unpleasant exploitation against his will—”

Finally, Meredia snapped and cut her off.

“Since when does the Holy Nation give a damn about gutter gossip from the back alleys?”

“...So it’s not true?”

“Oh, come on. You really think I’d—?”

For once, Meredia seemed genuinely frustrated, snapping in anger—before suddenly pausing, flinching slightly.

“Just a few hours ago, that guy was talking about marriage...”

Silence.

“You’re no longer denying your relationship with him, I see.”

Hestia’s calm voice broke the silence, her smile faint but knowing.

“Haha. You’ve changed a lot since back then.”

Gone was the weak, powerless baron’s daughter of just a few months ago. In her place stood a woman of gravitas and mystery.

“But that aside, I must confirm things with my own eyes.”

“...So in the end, you came for a fight. Fine. I welcome it anytime.”

Meredia tensed instinctively, her expression shifting again as Hestia’s soft voice resumed.

“I am a saintess now. I wish to avoid meaningless sacrifice.”

But then, lowering her voice to a gentle whisper and smiling serenely, Hestia added:

“So I have a proposal. Would you care to hear it?”

Meredia eyed that smile with suspicion—there was something lurking behind it. Still, against her better judgment, she leaned in to listen.

***

About thirty minutes later, in the courtyard of the Embergreen estate.

“Thank you for accepting my proposal, Lady Meredia.”

“...Hmph.”

“We almost caused great harm to both sides.”

Hestia offered polite thanks as they walked side by side. Meredia snorted and turned to her.

“That depends on what you people do next.”

Behind Hestia walked the Supreme Commander, who’d once stood against Meredia.

Instead of a military confrontation, Hestia had entered with only a single escort. They would investigate within the reported boundaries, and if no anomalies were found within an hour, they would withdraw immediately.

That was the last-minute compromise reached between Meredia and Hestia.

“Don’t worry. We’ll limit our search to the areas specified in the report.”

“...Hmph. We’ll see.”

As they exchanged thinly veiled glares—Hestia still smiling with her lips, though not with her eyes—they entered the mansion.

“But... the servants seem oddly tense, don’t they?”

“...Hmm?”

Just as Hestia noted, the servants standing in the hallway—particularly the maids—looked visibly distressed.

“What’s going on?”

“I, um... well...”

“Stop stammering and speak clearly.”

Even Meredia questioned the maid, who was now sweating bullets. The girl hesitated, casting her gaze sideways.

“Th-the truth is...”

Just then, a door at the end of the hallway slowly creaked open.

“...Haa, thank you for your effort.”

“Y-yes, thank you.”

Out stepped Whitney—drenched in sweat—alongside a maid in a similar state, breathless and flushed.

“Oh.”

“Ah.”

The two froze mid-step when their eyes landed on Meredia and Hestia.

“......”

Both women went completely still.

And in the icy silence that followed...

Everyone was frozen in place—equally stunned.