FMFR Chapter 5

Chapter 5 — The Ruby Necklace

If anyone happened to notice that Pierre had come here with Sisanna, it could put him at a disadvantage.

Pasiphae Chavelle was always desperately eager to discover Pierre’s weaknesses.

The more Medeia thought about it, the stranger it seemed.

Even though Pierre had taken the risk of coming all the way to his aunt Pasiphae Chavelle’s family home, he had ultimately left without meeting Medeia.

It didn’t seem as though he had come simply to see her face.

Medeia carefully considered the connection between Pierre and herself.

Then she remembered something she had forgotten.

‘……Princess Charlotte was that man’s aunt.’

Medeia lowered her gaze and ran her fingers over the ruby necklace around her neck.

‘She gave it to me before I left Aragon, saying that it had belonged to Queen Greta.’

Back then, Medeia had argued with Princess Charlotte over her decision to return to Serenier.

Hurt by Charlotte’s words, she had removed the ruby necklace just before arriving at the Heidel ducal residence.

Could Pierre have been disappointed when he saw that Medeia wasn’t wearing his mother’s keepsake?

Since Medeia would later receive Aragon’s military support with Princess Charlotte’s help, she would presumably continue to maintain contact with her.

But after leaving Aragon, Medeia hadn’t even exchanged letters with Princess Charlotte.

Moreover, because she wasn’t wearing the ruby necklace, Pierre must have concluded that she wasn’t one of Princess Charlotte’s people.

‘……Back then, I thought there was no need to become close to him.’

Since her cousin was Prince Lorenz, Medeia had considered Pierre someone she needed to be wary of.

Therefore, even when they encountered each other at royal banquets, she never spoke to him more than necessary.

One year from now, Pierre would successfully usurp the throne.

He was ruthless enough to pretend to be crippled for ten years, and he must have been preparing for his coup for a very long time.

There was no way Medeia could stop him.

Even after becoming king, Pierre spared the members of the Heidel ducal family, who had opposed him.

However, as a result, the Heidel family’s influence declined, and their ceremonial rank was reduced to the same level as that of a marquis family.

‘He didn’t trust me, threatened to sever ties with me…… and on top of that, they tried to send me off like merchandise to Prince Sanche, who already had three illegitimate children.’

Her fingertips tightened.

The ruby dug into her palm.

Medeia had no intention of falling into ruin alongside the Duke and Duchess of Heidel, the very people who had abandoned her.

If that was the alternative, it would be better to capture Pierre’s interest now and earn his trust.

Then, once he became king, she could ask him for a new title and family name.

That way, she wouldn’t have to sever ties with the Heidel family just to stop using their name.

If she wanted to avoid being abandoned, she had to abandon them first.

Having reached her decision, Medeia did not remove the ruby necklace this time.

Instead, she looked into the mirror and carefully straightened it.

“……Medeia? Madame Sisanna has arrived.”

Daphne’s voice from outside urged her to hurry.

Medeia calmly walked over and opened the door.

“You didn’t answer, so I thought you didn’t want to see me. Are you uncomfortable with me coming here?”

“……I had a headache and dozed off for a moment, so I didn’t hear you. Don’t misunderstand.”

She would have to be careful from now on.

Daphne’s way of speaking was always skilled at making the other person seem like the aggressor.

“I see. I thought you disliked me again. Madame Sisanna, please come in.”

Daphne smiled sweetly and turned slightly to the side.

Sisanna entered the room.

“It is a pleasure to meet Lady Medeia and Lady Daphne of the Heidel ducal family. I am Sisanna of the Delphium Dress Shop.”

Sisanna bowed with both hands neatly folded in front of her.

Her gaze immediately landed on the ruby necklace.

‘……As I thought. She must have been told to come and check whether I was wearing the ruby necklace.’

Things were different from the past now.

What choice would Pierre make this time?

Would he ask to meet her, or would he continue watching her a little longer?

For now, Medeia spoke in a gentle tone.

“You may dispense with the formalities. I could have gone to the Delphium Dress Shop later, but you’ve gone through the trouble of coming all the way here.”

Daphne raised an eyebrow, seemingly puzzled by Medeia’s kindness toward Sisanna.

She even seemed faintly amused as she quietly let out a small laugh.

But there was a reason Medeia had deliberately added such an excessively polite remark.

Sisanna was practically Pierre’s strategist.

She had stood right beside him when he held his coronation ceremony.

‘Later, she’ll become Countess Lema, essentially the king’s mistress.’

Since Medeia would have to cross paths with her often, it was better to leave a polite and respectful impression rather than treat her condescendingly.

“No, Lady Medeia. If you don’t mind, may I take your measurements?”

Medeia nodded and spread her arms.

Daphne was still there, blinking as she watched.

“Daphne. I need to remove my corset to have my measurements taken, and I’m embarrassed to have someone see my body. Could you leave?”

“……Oh. I didn’t realize you would feel that way. All right. Then I’ll go see Mother.”

Once Daphne left, Medeia was alone with Sisanna.

“The ruby necklace suits you very well, Lady Medeia.”

Sisanna’s violet eyes remained fixed on the ruby necklace.

It was as though she were confirming whether it really was the one Princess Charlotte had given Medeia.

“Princess Charlotte, whom I grew up with almost like a sister, gave it to me. I’ve always admired the dignity of the late Queen Greta, so I find myself wearing it often.”

Medeia deliberately added the explanation, making sure it didn’t sound awkward.

Sisanna stepped back slightly and lowered her head.

“Lady Medeia. I’m sorry, but would you be willing to come with me to the dress shop?”

“Would there be some difficulty taking my measurements here?”

“I thought it might be better for you to look through the catalog yourself and try on the dresses in person. I’m sorry to trouble you and make you tired.”

……Originally.

This wasn’t how things had happened.

In the past, Sisanna had simply taken her measurements and left.

Her suggestion that Medeia go to the Delphium Dress Shop now was merely an excuse.

In truth, it seemed she wanted Medeia to meet Pierre.

“There is, in fact, an esteemed person who wishes to meet you, Lady Medeia.”

“……An esteemed person?”

Seeing that Sisanna’s actions had changed from the past, Medeia knew her prediction had been correct.

In particular, she was certain that the esteemed person Sisanna was referring to was Pierre.

“I apologize, but would you be so kind as to understand that I cannot tell you more about that person?”

“…….”

“I was ordered to bring you there, so I must be cautious about saying anything beyond that.”

Perhaps she intended to keep Medeia from knowing who she was going to meet unless she actually went.

Sisanna’s attitude was firm.

It didn’t matter.

Medeia had intended to meet him anyway.

“All right. Thank you for taking such good care of me.”

Medeia raised the corners of her lips toward Sisanna and began walking.

She followed Sisanna out into the hallway.

Through a slightly open door, she could see the Duchess of Heidel lying on the bed, with Daphne standing beside her.

“Daphne, were you hurt by what I said earlier?”

The Duchess of Heidel stretched out both arms and pulled Daphne into her embrace.

“No. You were right. Medeia is your daughter, Mother, and……”

“Oh, my. Daphne, you’re my daughter too. I may not have given birth to you, but I brought you here and raised you myself.”

“……Mother. Thank you for saying that. If you hadn’t taken me in, I would probably still be wandering the streets.”

“Could you give in to her for the time being? She seems rather sensitive. And try to understand why she doesn’t call you ‘Sister.’ She must have suffered quite a bit outside. She doesn’t seem to have such a gentle disposition.”

At that moment.

The Duchess of Heidel lifted her head.

Her eyes met Medeia’s.