Chapter 47…
The True Culprit.
The first thing Felicia did after resolving to uncover the truth was to write a letter to her father, Christoph.
She had rarely been able to contact him since he was often abroad on diplomatic missions, but after hearing from Yoann that her father was still investigating the attempted poisoning incident, she decided to reach out — believing that he would surely help her.
Upon learning during his foreign posting that his daughter Felicia had nearly been married off to the neighboring Chalcedony Empire, Christoph had immediately begun his journey home.
“If Felicia is going to write to Christoph,” Yoann said, “I’ll make sure the letter reaches him at the royal castle instead of the family estate. I don’t trust that stepmother of hers who tried to arrange her marriage without consent.
It seems several letters from the Dupla family’s steward, addressed to Christoph, never reached him either. Unfortunately, I have no choice but to conclude that the Dupla estate is no longer a safe place for Felicia.”
Felicia realized how comforting it was to have someone she could trust completely by her side. At the same time, she was deeply relieved — almost to the point of tears — to know that her father hadn’t abandoned her after all.
Yoann gently wrapped an arm around Felicia’s shoulders and held her trembling hand.
“I’ve already sent a messenger,” he said softly. “Christoph feels an immense sense of responsibility — not just for this incident, but for having left home so long and causing you such pain. He deeply regrets it. He said he should have stayed by his beloved Felicia’s side rather than chasing after the true culprit himself.”
Her father had rarely been at the estate even when her older brother was alive. She had always told herself not to rely on him, knowing how busy he was.
“Christoph said he loves you more than anyone,” Yoann continued. “He wanted me to make sure you knew that.”
Hearing those words from Yoann — who understood how long she had carried her loneliness and pain alone — warmed Felicia’s heart.
“Lord Yoann… truly, thank you so much.”
Yoann smiled gently and wiped away her tears.
