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."
