Memoirs of Your Local Small-time Villainess - Chapter 267 - Questioning
The gathered assembly’s attention was split between Scarlett and the central table, hushed murmurs rippling through the crowd. Scarlett’s eyes narrowed into a withering glare aimed at the baroness who’d dared to call her out, though the woman pretended not to notice.
Presumably, Marquis Delmon had set her up for this. That the man still had it out for Scarlett was hardly surprising, but this maneuver felt incredibly shortsighted. Unless he foolishly expected her to literally be apprehended on the spot over whatever trumped-up allegations they’d mustered—an outcome that seemed very unlikely—this would blow up in his face.
If anything, Scarlett would make sure of that.
“Perhaps we should allow these two to explain their actions to those assembled here?” Count Hayden’s voice cut through the low hum of the crowd, his gaze sweeping the chamber. “Wouldn’t you all agree?”
A smattering of voices murmured their assent, though most remained silent, their eyes shifting towards Duke Valentino.
“Your Majesty,” Count Hayden addressed the emperor with a respectful bow, “would you permit us to inquire further with these nobles?”
The emperor, seated on his throne, leaned forward slightly, his elbow on the armrest as he regarded the count with an appraising look. After a pensive moment, he gave a light nod. “Duke Valentino, Baroness Hartford. You may speak and present your perspectives.”
A hush fell over the chamber. Duke Valentino rose from his seat, his movements stiff and deliberate as he used his cane to limp towards a small raised platform opposite the throne. Expectant eyes then shifted to Scarlett.
She threw a glance to her left, where Duchess Valentino and Lady Withersworth sat. The duchess’ worry was clear, her brow creased in concern, but Lady Withersworth emanated her usual unruffled calm, offering Scarlett an enigmatic smile. “I’m sure you can acquit yourself admirably, dear. Don’t fret. I’ve made note of those who spoke out.”
There was a glint of something dangerous lurking behind that smile, a fact Scarlett felt appreciative of. With a curt nod, she rose and began descending to the main floor, acutely aware of the weight of countless stares tracking her every move. Instead of unnerving her, though, they just served to further stoke the flames inside.
Soon, she joined Duke Valentino on the platform before the central table. They exchanged brief looks but said nothing. Scarlett couldn’t help but feel that if he’d wanted to keep the existence of the Tribe’s Enclave under wraps for now, he should have done a better job of not getting her pulled into this mess.
Opposite them, on the other end of the central table, the emperor’s silent gaze remained fixed on them, compelling Scarlett to instinctively incline her head slightly in a subtle gesture of respect.
“Now, while it is not my place to dictate proceedings,” Count Hayden began, “perhaps we should begin with—”
“Enough of these games, Rawling,” Duke Valentino cut him off, his irritated voice reverberating through the chamber. “Get to the point.”
Scarlett caught a faint glow emanating from the duke’s cane. Was it enchanted to project his words, maybe? That looked handy.
Count Hayden frowned lightly before clearing his throat. “I believe many here are curious as to why the duke would choose to conceal the existence of a Tribe Enclave. Should we start there?”
Duke Valentino glared at the man for a moment, muttering a curse under his breath about fools that likely only Scarlett heard.
“The answer is simple,” he finally replied. “I withheld the information because I refused to allow rash simpletons, like some present here, to start persecuting imperial settlements indiscriminately. Our empire has endured enough misguided persecutions in the past without repeating those mistakes now.”
“With the Tribe of Sin in our midst, is this not the perfect time to root out any agents or sympathisers?” the count challenged.
“It’s not the time to let those unqualified make those decisions.”
“That is not your place to decide,” Duke Roscoe, the instigator of all this, said.
Duke Valentino’s nostrils flared, a vein throbbing at his temple. “It most certainly is my place when the Enclave was found on my lands,” he almost growled. “I will not have ignorant rabble harassing my people based on unfounded suspicions after a Vile nearly destroyed their homes and livelihoods. Those who needed to know about the Enclave’s existence were informed, as you are already well aware.”
Mutterings of quiet discussion broke out around the table and in the galleries, but Scarlett’s focus remained on the emperor and the officials seated closest to him. It was true that they should have all been informed about the Enclave, so it was hardly as if Duke Valentino had kept it a real secret. Most people in this chamber likely understood that fact, even if they had just learned the information themselves. It should be clear to just about anyone that this was more of a political ploy targeting Duke Valentino, though Scarlett wasn’t sure exactly why they singled him out.
Still, the emperor had allowed this impromptu questioning despite probably understanding the underlying motives. Did he also have it out for the duke? From what Scarlett knew, Duke Valentino was one of the more loyalist dukes in the empire, so that seemed unlikely. But she also doubted the emperor genuinely suspected him of colluding with the Tribe.
“What you say makes sense,” Count Hayden conceded, and Scarlett finally shifted her gaze towards him. “But it also makes for an awfully convenient excuse, does it not? The fact remains that the only Tribe Enclave to surface in decades appeared on your lands, duke, alongside a Vile’s citadel. This either indicates involvement in illicit activities or gross negligence in your duties as a lord.”
Duke Valentino’s expression darkened further, his lips curling into a light snarl as his hand clenched into a white-knuckled fist around his cane.
“That is a rather bleak interpretation, wouldn’t you say, Count Hayden?” an older gentleman in stately clothes at the central table spoke up. Stockwell Bentley, the Count of Farmire, stroked his neat beard. “One could just as easily view Duke Valentino as a hero who, when faced with events so precarious they would have paralysed many a noble, took decisive action that averted catastrophe and spared the empire untold destruction. All while exposing a Tribe Enclave and suffering minimal loss of life, I might add. To me, that sounds like quite the admirable achievement.”
Count Hayden sent the man a dismissive look, then turned back to Duke Valentino. “Under normal circumstances, perhaps I would agree. But we must view this from the lens of our current crisis, Count Bentley, and in that context, there is no doubt that these events reflect poorly on the duke. Had the Followers of Ittar and the Dawnbringers not intervened, we might now be contending with not just monster incursions, but demonic ones as well.”
A few shouts of agreement erupted from the galleries. Scarlett scanned the crowd, wondering if the voices were genuinely concerned or if they were planted by the duke’s detractors. This whole affair seemed pretty orchestrated to her, from the suspicious speaking right allocations to the decision to drag her into this farce.
The more she thought about it, the more it annoyed her. She was only managing a neutral expression due to the emperor’s presence.
“Perhaps we should have Baroness Hartford explain her involvement as well?” another voice at the central table suggested. Scarlett turned her attention to a woman in her late thirties with a cascade of blonde curls who was scrutinising Scarlett with a pair of sharp blue eyes. Duchess Swail, the Lady of Silverborough.
As far as Scarlett was aware, the two of them had never interacted, but she got the sense that the woman didn’t particularly like her.
The feeling had just become mutual.
“Yes, let us afford Baroness Hartford the opportunity to present her reasons for cooperating with Duke Valentino,” Count Hayden said smoothly. “I suspect I am not the only one who has heard the Baroness’ name bandied about lately, though few likely expected her to be so deeply enmeshed in these troubling matters.”
“Enough with the meaningless insinuations,” Duke Valentino interjected, his tone clipped.
“Insinuations? I assure you, that’s not at all what I am doing.” Count Hayden shook his head. “Like Baroness Upton put forth, I too have heard from credible sources that Baroness Hartford was involved in both the events surrounding the Citadel’s appearance and the Tribe Enclave. Reportedly, she acted as your agent on those issues, duke. Moreover, she rather coincidentally visited Bridgespell and yourself just before it all unfolded.”
Scarlett studied the man closely. He spoke as if revealing some grand conspiracy, but much of this would be common knowledge to anyone who’d bothered looking. Sure, she had asked the duke and Raimond to help ensure details didn’t spread too much, but a cursory investigation would still reveal her name. Up until now, Count Hayden wasn’t so much presenting damning evidence as engaging in a public smear campaign against her and Duke Valentino.
In the process, he had inadvertently stumbled onto some truths about the Citadel’s appearance, but Scarlett doubted even the count himself actually believed them.
“Now, if that were all, perhaps it would not merit discussion,” the count pressed on, his voice rising. “But upon deeper scrutiny, I’ve noticed a series of other dubious coincidences centering around the Baroness. For those unaware, she has recently discovered several ancient Zuverian sites that eluded even the Ustrum Assembly and mage towers, despite ostensibly having no prior expertise in that field. Additionally, her barony’s activities over the past few months have been…unusual, to say the least. Apparently, they’ve included stockpiling near prodigious quantities of grain, produce, and other vital supplies — almost as if anticipating our current crisis. Not only that, but while the rest of the empire suffered untold damages from monster attacks, none of the Baroness’ own lands or properties have been impacted whatsoever.”
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Scarlett maintained her composure, her eyes hardening as she listened to the man’s unspoken accusations. She’d anticipated someone connecting those particular dots eventually, so this wasn’t a surprise per se, but the setting was a different matter.
She glanced at Duke Valentino to see if he had some response, noting his sudden silence. While his anger still appeared to simmer just below the surface, Scarlett somehow got the sense that he wasn’t actually too concerned. It was almost as if his indignation was aimed more at the unfolding drama than the specific accusations being hurled his way. Perhaps he had something up his sleeve.
Well, if he wasn’t speaking up, she supposed it was her turn. Scarlett returned her attention to Count Hayden, taking a steadying breath as she prepared to speak.
“Is that all?” she asked, her voice carrying just enough to reach those nearest at the central table.
The count paused. “What was that? It seems the Baroness has something to add now.”
“I said, is that all?” Scarlett reiterated, her tone icy. This time, her words rang out clearly, filling every corner of the chamber.
Count Hayden cocked an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “I believe so. For now, at least. I will say, however, that for a mere baroness, you certainly have a checkered past. What do you have to say for yourself?”
Scarlett met his gaze squarely. With a click of her tongue—a sound that echoed through the tense forum—she let her irritation be known. “You disrupted my evening for only this paltry showing?”
A few surprised murmurs could be heard, but Scarlett ignored them, keeping her eyes locked on Count Hayden. She was fairly certain he didn’t actually know the full extent of her involvement with the Citadel incident, but if she were to guess, he likely assumed it was minor. Still, his accusations wouldn’t be entirely baseless, and any detailed information could only have come from Duke Valentino’s people or the Followers of Ittar. It wouldn’t surprise her if the count and his cohorts had some connection to one of the deacons.
“There was nothing untoward or irregular about my presence at Bridgespell last month,” she declared evenly. “My presence there was a coincidence, but a fortunate one, as I happen to have prior experience eradicating demonic entities. That is why I offered my assistance to the duke in investigating what appeared to be an assassination attempt against him involving a demonic presence, and it was in the course of this investigation that we uncovered the circumstances surrounding the Citadel and the Tribe’s Enclave.”
Count Hayden’s expression darkened, presumably not appreciating her tone.
“As for the nature of my involvement,” Scarlett continued, “it is nothing as nefarious as you seem desperate to suggest. The Citadel’s appearance caught us by surprise, but once it manifested, Duke Valentinos’s forces and I, along with members of the Followers of Ittar—who had apparently foreseen the Citadel’s emergence, if you were unaware—investigated directly by entering the structure itself. There, we learned that the source for its manifestation was a demonic practitioner named Malachi, and after confronting her, we succeeded in halting the ritual she was conducting to summon the Vile. As for the Tribe Enclave, their connection was evident through dealings with Malachi, but they fled during the events.”
Her explanation shouldn’t differ too heavily from Raimond’s report to the Quorum, even if it was somewhat abridged and omitted the events that occurred in Crowcairn itself. Officially, though, she wasn’t involved in those.
That said, she would have preferred avoiding having to explain this in front of a gathering of the empire’s nobility. This was not the type of attention she wanted.
A weighty silence followed her account, with Count Hayden studying her skeptically. “Hmph. From your tale, Baroness Hartford, it would almost seem you are attempting to claim credit for thwarting the Vile’s manifestation. That rings rather distasteful when, by all reports, the Dawnbringers played a far more significant role.”
“While the Dawnbringers were indeed crucial in combating the demons that attempted to breach our realm from the Blazes, they arrived only after the Vile’s summoning had already been halted,” Scarlett replied. “As for my role, I never claimed it was central. I merely provided my assistance where I could.”
Count Hayden’s eyes narrowed. “So, you expect us to simply accept your version of events and motivations without question? Your supposed demonic expertise seems far-fetched and uncertain, I hope you understand. Especially since I well remember your conduct during the Elysian Proclamation, and more than one noble I have spoken to has mentioned your propensity for grossly overstating your abilities.” He turned to Duke Valentino. “Is this the sort of individual you align yourself with, Ingomar? Charlatans who inflate their own accomplishments for status?”
“If you doubt her words, perhaps my testimony will suffice?”
The chamber’s attention shifted to a robed figure with a gold mask sitting at the central table — Deacon Solnate. The woman’s gaze was focused on the count.
“…Deacon Solnate, are you vouching for the veracity of Baroness Hartford’s claims?” Count Hayden asked tightly.
The deacon inclined her head. “I have personally consulted with my people who were present during the events described. Their accounts corroborate hers.”
“That may be so,” Count Hayden replied, “but it does not rule out the possibility of her deeper involvement. Nor does it mean she is not greatly exaggerating the importance of her part.”
“But it is true that she possesses extensive knowledge of how to effectively combat demons,” Deacon Solnate stated firmly. “According to my subordinate, there are precious few in the empire who can match her expertise in such matters. Where she acquired that aptitude is another issue, but not the one at hand.” She raised a gloved hand. “If you find her presence in Bridgespell odd, I can inform you that the Baroness was working with the city’s high priest to inquire into the history of one of our shrines. She has previously aided us in recovering lost relics, and her particular ability was called upon once more for this task.”
Count Hayden stared at her, momentarily at a loss. Clearly, he hadn’t anticipated one of the Followers’ highest-ranking members to so unequivocally speak up in Scarlett’s defence.
Truth be told, Scarlett hadn’t expected it either. If Deacon Solnate had only verified Scarlett’s account based on what she’d heard from Raimond’s report, the count could still have pressed the issue beside that since his goal was just to raise suspicions, but this was clearly a deacon covering for her. Deacon Solnate had even gone as far as to bend the truth in order to make it seem like Scarlett’s presence in Bridgespell was originally part of a sanctioned mission on the Followers’ request.
The corner of Scarlett’s lips curled up in a cold smile. Maybe she owed the woman a favor later. This presented an opportune moment to turn the tables.
“I believe Count Hayden mentioned how suspicious it was that my barony escaped damage while the rest of the empire suffered, and our ‘curious activities’ in recent months,” she said, her voice now carrying a razor’s edge. “If we are to scrutinise all of those who emerged relatively unscathed, perhaps we should interrogate every noble in Freybrook and Elystead as well? And regarding my barony’s activities, their purpose should be self-evident to anyone with a modicum of sense. The escalation of conflict with the Tribe became apparent after their attack on Windgrove during Duke Tyndall’s ball. I merely prepared for the inevitable. What I find truly unusual is that you neglected to discuss where all those supplies my barony procured have gone.”
“Ah yes, those support programs you’ve supposedly established,” Count Hayden sneered, having regained some of his poise as he looked away from Deacon Solnate. “A laudable endeavour, to be sure, if only its timing wasn’t so suspect.”
“It seems we have quite different interpretations of ‘suspect’. To me, that word better applies to more…insidious activities.” Scarlett met his gaze with a contemptuous smirk. “For instance, attempting to monopolise goods essential to the empire’s welfare.”
She saw the man’s eyes widen suddenly.
It seemed her arrow had found its mark. Having a partnership with the empire’s foremost information broker certainly had its benefits. Beldon had provided her with numerous useful tidbits about several of the empire’s influential actors lately, including some choice information about Count Hayden.
The man’s territory held some of the most productive salt mines in the empire. Over the past years, he had been involved in various schemes to control the commodity’s price through monopolistic practices. This included investing in salt mines in other regions and negotiating exclusive contracts through intermediaries, as well as buying up and stockpiling large quantities of salt to create artificial scarcity. While not strictly illegal under imperial trade law, such actions were deeply problematic, especially during wartime when salt became crucial for tasks like cheaply preserving food without magical enchantments. Messing with essential goods like that could bring you considerable trouble, even as a high noble.
Count Hayden fell silent, his expression continuing to darken. The reaction seemed to surprise some of his allies around the table, and Scarlett couldn’t help but scoff at the man’s sudden indecision. He had been quick to attack her, yet a mere hint of his own shady dealings rattled him this much? It was pathetic, honestly.
Though she supposed he’d had little reason to expect her, of all people, to have ammunition to fire back. She wasn’t exactly a big player in the game of political intrigue.
“…It appears Count Hayden may have been somewhat overzealous in his assertions,” Duchess Swail finally said in the man’s stead. “However, we shouldn’t lose sight of the matter at hand.”
Scarlett shifted her gaze to the duchess. While she didn’t have anything specific on the woman for now, she could probably dig something up, given time.
“Come now, Duchess,” Count Bentley spoke up before Scarlett could respond. “I think it’s been made abundantly clear that the purpose of this ‘hearing’ regarding Baroness Hartford and Duke Valentino’s actions has become aimless. Whatever suspicions you may still harbor about the Baroness, they are clearly not the sort to be addressed at this conclave.”
“I concur,” the Imperial Chamberlain of Justice added. “Baroness Hartford in particular has demonstrated both remarkable foresight and generosity far transcending her rank in alleviating the hardships of our citizens these past two weeks. If what we’ve heard about her role in halting the manifestation of a Vile is accurate as well, it doesn’t sit well with me to continue treating her in this adversarial manner.”
“That may be so, but should we not address any lingering doubts about a noble’s possible collaboration with the Tribe of Sin—directly or indirectly—considering the significance of such a possibility?” Duchess Swail countered.
There were sounds of agreement from the galleries, though surprisingly, these were met by equally vocal disagreements from other sections. Scarlett observed the commotion as arguments sparked up, curiously trying to identify some of the faces who appeared to be on her side. She’d planned to offer a few more arguments in her defence, but maybe that wasn’t necessary.
As before, the arguments grew in intensity until much of the audience was suddenly engaged in debate. Somewhat unexpectedly, the scales seemed to be tipping decidedly in Scarlett and the duke’s favor. Perhaps Deacon Solnate’s testimony and Scarlett’s recent portrayal in the Empyreal Chronicle helped sway some minds. Although she suspected Lady Withersworth’s influence also played a part, with Duke Valentino likely having his own base of supporters as well.
Scarlett looked over briefly at the duke, noting that his earlier rage seemed to have cooled to a stoic resolve as he waited out the storm of voices filling the chamber.
Duchess Swail and Duke Roscoe, along with a few other nobles, attempted to regain control of the debate’s flow, but it was clear they’d lost most of the momentum they had briefly held. As for Count Hayden, he seemed to be grinding his teeth while fixing Scarlett with an intense stare, perhaps weighing whether he could afford to press on or to retreat and cut his losses.
If she were him, she wouldn’t expect any quarter either way.
The emperor, who had been silently observing from the sidelines, finally raised his hand. At his signal, Imperial Advisor Blackwood cast another spell, hushing the Forum.
“Since it appears we can no longer reach a consensus on how to proceed with this matter, we will conclude it here,” the emperor declared in a voice that brooked no argument. “Though some may still have questions for Duke Valentino and Baroness Hartford, those can be addressed at a later time. The duke and baroness may return to their seats.”
The opposition at the table frowned, but seemed to accept their defeat for now. Duke Valentino gripped his cane and gave Scarlett a curt nod before returning to his seat.
Scarlett allowed herself one final, pointed look at Count Hayden, Duchess Swail, and the galleries where a certain baroness sat. Her gaze carried both a warning and a promise before she turned and began making her way back to Lady Withersworth. As she walked, her mind started going over potential strategies for her response. She would see with Beldon what more dirt she could unearth on those who’d tried to corner her here. Perhaps she’d also leverage some of the information she had on Count Soames’ associates to pressure them into lending their aid. There were several angles worth exploring.
It was a shame that she couldn’t just burn her obstacles to the ground in this particular venue.
