Even the Devil Regrets it - Chapter 87

The next day, when they arrived at the Imperial Palace through the portal, the atmosphere was chaotic.

Nobles waiting for an audience with the Emperor were overflowing into the corridors. Given the gravity of the situation, the palace could not simply send them away just because they had arrived without an appointment.

“I have been waiting for five hours. When will His Majesty grant us an audience?”
The nobles waiting inside were from some of the most prestigious families, and the chamberlain, drenched in nervous sweat, could only offer a polite reply.

“Please, just a little longer. I ask for your patience.”

The nobles with less power had not even been allowed into the inner court and were left to pace anxiously outside.
Since David had taken power, it was likely the first time the palace had been this crowded with nobles.

“This place feels more like a marketplace,” Braeden muttered, frowning.
The chamberlain, who had spotted him from a distance, rushed over immediately.

“Your Grace, welcome. Please, come this way.”
As Braeden and Juliana were guided straight into the audience chamber, the waiting nobles began to murmur in protest.

“We ask the rest of you to wait just a little longer,” the chamberlain repeated like a wind-up doll, hurrying his steps.

Inside the audience chamber, David was pacing restlessly and perked up the moment he saw them.

“Brother, thank goodness you’re here.”

His eyes were sunken, dark shadows beneath them, as if he had not slept properly in days.

“We pay our respects to His Majesty, the Sun of the Empire,” Braeden and Juliana said together as they bowed.
They then turned to greet the Empress, who was seated to the side.

“We greet Your Majesty, the Glory of the Empire.”

“You must have had a difficult journey,” the Empress said with a weary smile.
Her face showed clear signs of exhaustion. David, however, looked far too impatient to even wait for the greetings to finish.

“The Emperor is not a god. How do they expect him to control a natural disaster sent by the heavens?” David muttered, looking pale.

So many had invested recklessly that they had no choice but to cling to the Emperor.
But the Emperor had not personally accepted any of their goods, nor could he retrieve a ship that had sunk in a typhoon. There was no real solution he could offer.

“What exactly are they demanding?” Braeden asked.
Pamela, the Empress, answered.

“What else? They want their investments returned. It is just like the nobles, selfish as ever. As long as they do not suffer, they do not care what happens to others.”

They knew perfectly well that natural disasters were not the Emperor’s responsibility.
But if they did nothing, they would have to absorb the losses themselves.
So, even while understanding the truth, they came to the palace to cling to David’s robe. It was the only way to avoid bankruptcy.

“The losses are worse than we imagined. We cannot even file a complaint with the Western Continent. Our position is very difficult right now,” David said, running a hand through his dry face in frustration.

Not only was the Empress’s family involved, but so were many high-ranking ministers. There was hardly anyone left to discuss the matter with.

A rumor had spread that anyone who loaded goods onto a trade ship would become rich overnight. It seemed almost every noble had invested.

“But the palace cannot compensate everyone. The Empire cannot go bankrupt just to save a handful of nobles. What do you think, my lady?” Braeden asked, turning to Juliana.

David twitched at the fact that Braeden was seeking her opinion on such an important matter.
Pamela raised an eyebrow in interest, watching the two closely as a smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

“It does not seem like the right time to discuss compensation. First, we need to understand the full extent of the damage. Why not create a temporary department within the palace to collect accurate reports from the nobles who suffered losses? Since some may exaggerate their claims, make sure they are required to submit proof. There should be confirmation slips from when the goods were loaded onto the trade ships. If they attach those documents, there will be fewer problems later.”

David stared at Juliana in disbelief as she spoke so smoothly.
He was the kind of noble who believed that a woman’s duty was simply to dress beautifully and smile politely.
To hear Juliana explain such a practical and thorough plan without hesitation made her sound like an experienced politician. He could not make sense of it.

Feeling his pride wounded, he asked her another question as if to challenge her.
“And after that? The nobles who report their losses will expect to be compensated.”

Juliana replied calmly, without needing to think long.
“They know they cannot be fully reimbursed. They are simply trying to shake the palace, hoping for the best. Announce that the Imperial House will compensate ten percent of the reported losses. At first, they will complain that ten percent is too little. That is when you need to be firm. Make it clear that only those who apply will receive compensation. Set a short deadline so they do not have time to plan together. Once the deadline is set, even those who protested will hurry to apply just to get something rather than nothing.”

As Juliana continued, David’s expression became more blank.
No matter what he looked like, Juliana stayed composed and continued speaking.

“Some of them might say they will hold out for more, but as time runs out, they will begin to panic. After paying ten percent to those who applied, the palace can close the matter completely.”

David looked completely defeated.
Braeden noticed and smiled, then spoke with sincerity.

“My wife is truly wise.”

Pamela let out a soft laugh without meaning to, then quickly returned to her usual calm expression.

“The Grand Duchess has given a clear plan. Now, Your Majesty should speak with the Grand Duke and discuss how to gather the necessary funds. We will return to the Empress’s residence,” Pamela said as she stood up.

Juliana could tell right away that the way David looked at her had changed. He no longer saw her as just a beautiful decoration.

“Very well. Send word once the discussion is over,” Juliana said. She met Braeden’s eyes and gave him a small nod before leaving the audience chamber.

“This way,” Pamela said, leading her toward a hidden passage only she knew.

Even with the palace crowded with nobles, it was surprising that Pamela would use a secret route while Juliana was walking beside her.
Juliana exhaled quietly, half in disbelief.
Being shown that passage meant that Pamela now trusted her completely.

When they reached the Empress’s residence, the maids brought tea and snacks. A pleasant aroma filled the large sitting room.
Pamela sipped her tea with a calm expression. She no longer looked tense or sharp like before, always searching for someone’s weakness.

“You seem well,” Juliana said.

Pamela gave a short laugh and replied,
“Thanks to you. I never thought I would say something like that, but here I am. That must be your special skill.”

Despite her sarcastic tone, her expression was gentle.
Juliana could tell that she was not being blamed and responded with a quiet smile.

“You seem to be getting along well with the Grand Duke.”

“And Your Majesty seems to be doing well with His Majesty,” Juliana replied.

Pamela frowned at that.
“Me? That is a joke. Well, I suppose he trusts me more than before. But that is only because of the reputation I built through my work outside the palace. It has nothing to do with personal affection, so do not get the wrong idea.”

Juliana smiled, though she had a feeling that the one truly misunderstanding the situation was not her, but Pamela.

“By the way, the recent trade ship incident must have caused you a great deal of worry. I heard the Marquess of Blake’s family suffered heavy losses.”

The House of Blake was Pamela’s family by birth.
Among the nobles of the Camellia Empire, they were an old and powerful house. With Pamela becoming the Empress, their influence had grown even stronger.

“That is not my concern. It was an investment made without any input from me. My father and brother can deal with the consequences themselves.”

She was treating her family the same way they had once treated her, ignoring her as she slowly lost herself in isolation.
In life, you reap what you sow. That was the truth she chose to live by.

“At least there weren’t many casualties among the crew on the ship,” Pamela added.

Fortunately, most of the sailors had managed to escape the sinking ship with their lives.
Some, sadly, had not made it out in time. But compared to the massive financial losses, the low number of fatalities was considered a stroke of luck.

Juliana already knew this in advance, which is why she had pushed the Barnett family into investing.

“Yes, that’s at least something to be thankful for.”

“I’ve been thinking. What’s done is done, and there’s no way to undo it. So I’ve decided I should start living more efficiently.”

This time, Juliana could not quite understand what Pamela was getting at.
When she looked puzzled, Pamela gave a sly smile and continued.

“I plan to use the political confusion to finally push through something that’s been delayed for too long.”

“What exactly are you referring to?”

“I’m going to get the academy approved and open it at the same time.”

The overly strict Noble Council had delayed the academy’s approval countless times, and Pamela had just about run out of patience.
Now, with the sudden trade ship disaster causing the palace to descend into chaos, the timing was perfect.

It was not as if the academy was a controversial cause. Why not use a natural disaster to get something good done?

“That sounds like an excellent idea.”

“I knew you would agree,” Pamela said with a laugh.

Juliana smiled with her.
What had once been a small spark of trust between them had grown into something much deeper, like a strong and steady tree.

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