Devourer's Legacy: I Regressed With The Primordial Crest
Chapter 59: Schemes (2)

Chapter 59: Schemes (2)

Eleanor didn’t dare pull any more tricks within the castle walls. With trembling hands—whether from rage or humiliation—she handed over the 20,000 gold to Renard as demanded. True to his word, he left the castle almost immediately, but his departure brought her no relief.

But even after Renard left the castle, she couldn’t calm her seething anger.

"Renard Grim! How dare he threaten me like this?"

To be blackmailed by such a person and have money extorted from her! It was undoubtedly the greatest humiliation of her life.

"I have to silence him, no matter what it takes..."

She bit her lip, her face twisted in frustration and rage.

Her secret backers were dangerous people. If rumors about her hidden activities started to spread, they would undoubtedly cut ties without hesitation to protect themselves.

There was no escaping the web of alliances she had built once she had decided to pursue power this way.

"I can’t afford to lose their support until I’ve secured my position."

The plans were already in motion across the northern territories of House Grace.

Various noble houses were being weakened through economic manipulation, political pressure, and strategic investments. They were systematically undermining the power of every family that wasn’t allied with their cause.

"Yes, I’ll have to kill him."

There was no hesitation, no guilt in her voice. In noble society, it was common to eliminate even family members if they became obstacles.

’First, I’ll kill him. Then, if I need an excuse, I’ll fabricate one afterward.’

She didn’t care if suspicions arose about her being responsible for Renard’s death. Silencing him regarding New Dawn was far more important than any political fallout.

After all, the dead tell no tales.

"Marcus! Bring Marcus to me, immediately!"

Having made her decision, Eleanor shouted for her most trusted subordinate.

Not long after, a tall, capable-looking man with dark hair entered the room.

"You called for me, my lady?"

"Marcus!"

–Nyaang!

Before Eleanor could say anything her spirit feline Umbra hissed softly.

Marcus tensed as he saw the furious Eleanor and the agitated spirit. He asked cautiously,

"What happened, my Lady?"

But instead of an answer, he received a command.

"Kill Renard. That bastard knows about my secret operations."

"What? What do you mean? What exactly does he know?"

After hearing the full story, Marcus’s expression turned serious. He contemplated for a moment before nodding grimly.

"This is indeed a dangerous situation. But you don’t need to worry excessively. He’s always been seen as incompetent—he probably just came here to extort money from you."

"But if that fool runs his mouth carelessly, everything I’ve built could collapse. We have to be extremely careful right now."

"He got his money, so he’ll likely stay quiet for a while. In fact, he might remain silent and return later demanding even more."

In truth, Renard had no intention of returning to her, but the two assumed he might come back for additional payments.

Given that they saw him as a petty opportunist who would go so far as to blackmail his own fiancée, it wasn’t unreasonable for them to think that way.

They didn’t even bother to consider what Renard might actually use the substantial sum for.

They simply assumed he’d waste it on gambling or luxury, or at best, use it to prop up his struggling territory temporarily.

He was just a boy who had awakened recents and even though Eleanor had witnessed changes in him, old prejudices died hard.

Eleanor pulled out a detailed map from her desk and pointed to a specific location.

"Kill him here. We can avoid prying eyes at this spot. Retrieve the money as well."

The place Eleanor indicated was a narrow valley surrounded by dense forest.

It was along the most direct route from Gia’s Castle back toward Grim territory.

Since it was an isolated path through difficult terrain, an ambush could easily handle Renard’s small group.

However, Marcus shook his head with concern.

"Everyone already knows that Young Master Renard visited here now. His death could raise uncomfortable questions."

But Eleanor seemed to be set on killing Renard.

"What if we make it appear that bandits or forest beasts attacked him?"

"If it’s discovered that we were involved, we’ll face retaliation from House Grim. There’s nothing to gain from open conflict with them, especially with our important plans still developing."

"As long as we don’t get caught, there won’t be any problems. The insult he delivered is one thing, but we can’t leave such a dangerous threat alive."

"...We can’t use our official guards."

Marcus finally said, realizing that lady wouldn’t let that matter be.

"Then hire mercenaries or assassins. We’ve been funding those groups for situations exactly like this. Put them to use."

In the end, Marcus nodded in reluctant agreement.

Eleanor had a valid point. It was risky, but as long as they left no evidence, there would be minimal real danger.

"Understood. I’ll ensure they’re properly prepared and equipped."

Eleanor looked at Marcus with calculating eyes. Unlike that pathetic Renard, Marcus was truly capable and reliable.

If Marcus handled the arrangements, dealing with someone like Renard would present no real challenge.

"Good. Make sure it’s done quietly before any rumors can spread."

"I’ll handle everything without complications."

"Excellent. Go make the arrangements."

"...I’ll finish this quickly and return to your side."

Marcus frowned slightly, making sure Eleanor couldn’t see his expression. Thanks to Renard’s interference, it looked like things were going to become quite troublesome for the foreseeable future.

Why did that fool have to create such a dangerous situation?

All he wanted was to stay by Eleanor’s side and help her achieve her ambitions, but the world seemed determined to complicate everything.

’At least with the engagement being annulled, that works in my favor...’

Marcus glanced back at Eleanor with barely concealed longing as he left the room.

He didn’t care about Renard’s fate or political complications, he just wanted to eliminate this threat quickly and return to supporting the woman he loved.

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