TVIOWHFW 63

A moment of silence.

Minister Ortega looked at the unexpectedly tense Liandro and asked.

“Lord Pelsis, is there any problem?”

“…Could you tell me which parts of the rumors were malicious?”

“Well, if we’re being precise, the biggest issue is probably how it was made to seem as if Duchess Blanchet was the root of all problems.”

Minister Ortega lowered his eyebrows and shrugged awkwardly.

“The fact is, Duchess Blanchet and her husband only happened to stumble upon the Hetel family by coincidence. Actually, it was the Hetel family who tried to extort money by using Duchess Blanchet.”

“…”

Liandro clenched his fists tightly.

‘There’s no way Minister Ortega would spout nonsense.’

He was as inscrutable as Duchess Blanchet herself, but no one would make a mistake in a trial involving the Emperor’s name.

‘But my mother—’

It wasn’t just the Countess Pelsis.

Everyone around Liandro spoke as if the Hetel family had been manipulated by Estelle’s scheme.

‘Are they all falsely accusing that woman?’

That idea was even less plausible.

‘What is the truth, then?’

Liandro didn’t want to believe that everything around him was so wrong.

‘Unfortunately, I’ve done nothing wrong. I can’t atone for a sin I didn’t commit, after all.’

Estelle’s indigo eyes were resolute, without a trace of shame. To Liandro, that even looked like her ignorance.

‘If everything and everyone around me was at fault…’

Liandro had never doubted his world.

The symbol of the Pelsis family was a shield engraved with tulips.

A symbol filled with the desire to protect the empire, and as such, Count Pelsis had safeguarded the empire and cared for it through good deeds alongside the temple.

Liandro, too, wanted to be a shield, defending a good and orderly empire.

‘Just remember this.’

But now, his shield was covered in absurd filth. Liandro hurriedly tried to wipe away the stain, making sure no one saw.

‘Just because you don’t want to believe it, doesn’t make a lie into the truth. The truth doesn’t exist the way you think it does.’

No matter how much he tried to clean it, his shield remained dirty.

“…It’s very different from what I heard from Diana.”

At that moment, Crown Prince Hesen spoke with a shocked voice. When Liandro raised his head, Hesen also looked serious.

“How could it be like that?”

“I found it quite strange too. Especially since false stories kept spreading about the incident I mediated.”

In response to Minister Ortega’s answer, Crown Prince Hesen looked down and asked.

“Then, do you know more about this duel, Lord Ortega?”

“Well, rather, Crown Prince Royem should be the one to know more about it.”

Hesen stood up.

“Exactly. I suppose I spoke out of turn.”

With a bitter smile, Hesen hurriedly left, forgetting to wish Liandro good luck as he headed to the duel.

But Liandro, the main party, wasn’t in a state to worry about that.

Once Minister Ortega left, Liandro was left alone in the waiting room. He played with the proud emblem of the White Night.

Quite some time passed.

“Lord Pelsis, the time for the duel has come.”

Knock knock.

“You need to move to the dueling arena now… Lord Pelsis?”

When there was no response, the attendant was forced to open the waiting room door at will. The attendant’s eyes widened in surprise.

Inside, no one was there.

~·~·*· . ·*· . ·*· . ·*·~·~

This duel was held in the Imperial Duel Arena.

John Blanchet, the Duke of Blanchet, and Liandro Pelsis, the captain of the Imperial Knights.

It was rare for noble parties to personally participate in a duel, but in this case, both high-ranking nobles had come forward.

“Duke Blanchet personally challenged the duel to defend his wife’s honor, right?”

“Looks like the Duke really cares about his wife. Now no one will doubt his feelings for her.”

Still, Estelle was an adopted daughter of the Liberthan family, so the general perception was that Duke Blanchet had taken her in for some purpose. That judgment hadn’t changed.

‘Even if she doesn’t carry the blood of the Liberthans…’

‘How could he truly love her? Especially considering he himself caused her family’s downfall.’

The Duke and Duchess Blanchet appeared slowly in the royal duel arena.

A woman from the traitorous Liberthan family.

And a man who had brought down Liberthan with treason charges.

Moreover, his family had been wiped out because of the Liberthan family.

Despite their apparent incompatibility, strangely, they looked full of affection for each other. Watching only them, suspicion of their relationship seemed even more absurd.

“Are they really in love?”

Ding—

As the duel time arrived, John stepped down.

Estelle waved her hand to cheer for John. But Liandro, who should have appeared precisely at the scheduled time, was nowhere to be seen.

“Lord Pelsis is late. Something must have happened. Surely he won’t just not show up?”

“Surely not. As a Knight of the White Night, he values his honor.”

The nobles believed in the proud image of Liandro they had seen so far.

But as time went on, even that unwavering belief began to waver slightly.

“Maybe something happened on the way?”

“Could it be that he’s afraid of the Duke Blanchet?”

“Oh, come on! That’s going too far.”

John crossed his arms and asked the judge, Minister Ortega.

“Isn’t it about time the duel started?”

“…Indeed. I’m worried something might have happened to Lord Pelsis.”

Minister Ortega, looking troubled, asked the attendant.

But the attendant, who had gone to look for Liandro, only had an unexpected answer.

“Sorry. Lord Pelsis was not in the waiting room.”

“Then where could he have gone?”

“He left no word for us…”

The nobles’ eyes naturally turned toward Miryu, who was sitting in the arena. Miryu looked pale and anxious, staring down the corridor.

‘Why…?’

Miryu trusted Liandro.

No matter how much he was a Blanchet, he was the greatest knight of the empire, and there was no way he could lose in a duel.

So she hadn’t done anything—

Crown Prince Hesen, with a stern face, gently patted Miryu’s shoulder.

“Miryu, don’t worry too much. Lord Pelsis is probably just a bit late.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course, if he doesn’t show up, the duel will naturally…”

But even Hesen’s face, trying to comfort Miryu, looked grim. If Liandro did not appear, blame would fall on him, and the kingdom of Royem would also bear a heavy burden.

Miryu clenched her fists out of sight.

‘That kid must have used some cowardly trick.’

She looked at Estelle sitting across from her. At that moment, as if by a lie, their eyes met.

Estelle shrugged at her.

‘Why on earth isn’t Liandro here?’

Surprisingly, Estelle knew nothing about the situation either.

‘What did John do?’

Estelle looked at John, who was standing in the arena, with wide eyes. When their eyes met, John only gave her a gentle smile and a wink.

~·~·*· . ·*· . ·*· . ·*·~·~

“Today’s duel is won by Duke Blanchet.”

In the end, Minister Ortega declared John the winner.

“According to the result, the Royem Kingdom and Lord Pelsis must apologize and compensate for the damage caused to Duchess Blanchet’s honor.”

~·~·*· . ·*· . ·*· . ·*·~·~

Royem Manor.

The mood of the Royem Kingdom, which had lost the duel without even fighting, was very grim. That atmosphere persisted until dinner.

Deputy Queen Isabella spoke with a heavy expression.

“…It’s also our fault for not recognizing the true worth of the knight who stepped forward. We have no choice but to accept the outcome of the duel. What does the Jutti family say?”

“That is…”

Miryu couldn’t bring herself to speak immediately.

Her Jutti family was so insignificant that it was almost laughable to even appear in this duel. They couldn’t do anything to help.

Hesen, taking Miryu’s hand, said.

“Mother, this was Diana’s doing, taking Miryu away. Perhaps it would be fair for the Royem Kingdom to also compensate for Jutti’s part?”

“And, what do you think, dear?”

“I’m sorry, Mother.”

Miryu bowed her head deeply, unable to lift it.

Queen Isabella looked back and forth between Miryu and Hesen, then let out a faint sigh.

“Fine. Jutti is too small a family to take responsibility. Considering Diana’s greater fault, the Royem Kingdom will cover the compensation for Duchess Blanchet.”

“Th-Thank you, Mother.”

Tears welled up in Miryu’s eyes as she choked back sobs. Queen Isabella simply shook her head slowly.

“No need to thank me. We’re family now; this is nothing difficult.”

But unlike her words, this compensation wasn’t a small matter.

Noble honor was incredibly heavy.

Most likely, to pay for this, the Royem Kingdom would have to surrender some of the exclusive trading rights and maritime privileges that Duke Blanchet had demanded.

‘Perhaps even more than that will have to be given up.’

Queen Isabella asked Miryu, overwhelmed.

“But, dear, what do you think about delaying the wedding?”

“…What?”

Miryu’s eyes widened in surprise. Hesen cautiously spoke.

“Mother, can we let this pass?”

“Of course. But, Hesen, this isn’t just about paying some money. There’s a real risk that the wedding itself might not happen properly.”

Hesen also couldn’t deny his mother’s words.

Duchess Blanchet, who had regained her standing in the wake of this incident, could interfere with their wedding plans.

The problem was, the Royem Kingdom had no legitimate grounds to oppose that.

It might be better to delay the wedding, even if it meant losing face a bit more.

“Miryu, what do you think—”

“Mother.”

Miryu, who had stood up from her chair, knelt before Isabella.

“This is all my fault for not stopping Diana.”

“…”

“Honestly, I know I can’t do anything even if you decide to postpone the wedding. But—”

Tears of clear sorrow rolled from Miryu’s gentle eyes.

“Jutti doesn’t have the luxury to prepare for another wedding.”

“I’ll add to your dowry from the Royem Kingdom. Would that help?”

“It’s impossible…”

Miryu couldn’t lift her head.

Queen Isabella looked at her with a faint sigh.

“It’s not necessary. We’re family now; it’s nothing we can’t handle.”

Despite her words, this compensation was not light.

Noble honor was extremely precious.

Most likely, to settle this, the Royem Kingdom would have to concede some of the monopoly trade rights and maritime privileges they had demanded from Duke Blanchet.

‘Maybe even more than that…’

Queen Isabella asked Miryu, moved.

“But, dear, what do you think about postponing the wedding?”

“…Yes?”

Miryu’s eyes widened again in surprise. Hesen gently began.

“Mother, perhaps we can overlook this this time?”

“Of course. But, Hesen, this isn’t just about money. The wedding might not even happen properly if we delay too long.”

Hesen also couldn’t deny his mother’s point.

Duchess Blanchet, who had regained her standing, could interfere with their wedding plans.

And the Royem Kingdom had no real reason to oppose her.

It might be better, even at the risk of losing face, to delay the wedding.

“Miryu, what do you think—”

“Mother.”

Miryu, standing up abruptly, knelt before Isabella.

“This is all my fault for not stopping Diana.”

“…”

“Honestly, I know we can’t do anything even if you postpone the wedding. But—”

Tears slipped from her innocent eyes.

“Jutti has no time to prepare for another wedding.”

“I will add to your dowry from Royem. Would that suffice?”

“It’s impossible…”

Miryu lowered her head, unable to look up.

Queen Isabella sighed softly.

“There’s no need. We’re family now; this is nothing we can’t handle.”

However, this compensation wasn’t a trivial matter.

Noble honor was very heavy.

Most likely, to make amends, Royem would have to give up some of the exclusive trade and maritime rights they demanded from Duke Blanchet.

‘Maybe even more than that…’

Queen Isabella asked Miryu, touched.

“But, dear, what do you think about postponing the wedding?”

“…Huh?”

Miryu’s eyes widened once more.

Hesen quietly spoke.

“Mother, perhaps we can just pass this over?”

“Of course. But, Hesen, delaying might cause more problems than it solves, including the risk that the wedding itself might fall apart.”

Hesen hesitated but couldn’t deny his mother’s reasoning.

Duchess Blanchet, having regained her influence, could interfere with the wedding plans.

And the Royem Kingdom had no legitimate grounds to stop her.

It might be wiser, even at the cost of losing some face, to postpone the wedding.

“Miryu, what do you think—”

“Mother.”

Suddenly standing, Miryu knelt before Isabella.

“This is my fault for not stopping Diana.”

“…”

“Honestly, I know even if you postpone, there’s little I can do. But—”

Her pure eyes filled with tears.

“Jutti has no time left to prepare for another wedding.”

“I will add to your dowry from Royem. Would that be enough?”

“It’s impossible…”

Miryu lowered her head, unable to meet her gaze.

Queen Isabella let out a gentle sigh.

“There’s no need to thank me. We’re family now; this is nothing insurmountable.”

But unlike her words, this compensation was no small matter.

Noble honor was immensely significant.

Most likely, to cover this, Royem would have to relinquish some of the exclusive trade and maritime privileges they demanded from Duke Blanchet.

‘Perhaps even more than that…’

Queen Isabella asked Miryu, moved.

“But, dear, what do you think about postponing the wedding?”

“…What?”

Miryu’s eyes widened again.

Hesen softly added.

“Mother, maybe we can just let this go this time?”

“Of course. But Hesen, delaying might cause more harm than good, including the possibility that the wedding might not happen at all.”

Hesen couldn’t deny his mother’s point.

Duchess Blanchet, who had regained her influence, could interfere with their wedding plans.

And the Royem Kingdom lacked any real reason to oppose her.

It might be better, even risking some loss of face, to delay the wedding.

“Miryu, what do you think—”

“Mother.”

Miryu suddenly stood and knelt before Isabella.

“This is all my fault for not stopping Diana.”

“…”

“Honestly, I know we can’t do anything even if you postpone. But—”

Tears fell from her innocent eyes.

“Jutti has no time to prepare anymore for another wedding.”

“I’ll add to your dowry from Royem. Would that suffice?”

“It’s impossible…”

Miryu bowed her head, unable to lift her gaze.

Queen Isabella sighed gently.

“There’s no need to thank me. We’re family now; this is something we can handle.”

But this compensation was no trivial matter.

Noble honor was extremely heavy.

Most likely, to settle this, Royem would have to give up some of the exclusive trade rights and maritime privileges they demanded from Duke Blanchet.

‘Maybe even more than that…’

Queen Isabella asked Miryu, moved.

“But, dear, what do you think about postponing the wedding?”

“…Huh?”

Miryu’s eyes widened again.

Hesen quietly spoke.

“Mother, perhaps we can overlook this for now?”

“Of course. But, Hesen, delaying might cause more problems, including the possibility that the wedding itself might not happen at all.”

Hesen hesitated but couldn’t deny his mother’s reasoning.

Duchess Blanchet, who had regained her influence, could interfere with their wedding plans.

And the Royem Kingdom lacked any legitimate grounds to oppose her.

It might be wiser, even at the risk of losing some face, to postpone the wedding.

“Miryu, what do you think—”

“Mother.”

Suddenly, Miryu stood and knelt before Isabella.

“This is all my fault for not stopping Diana.”

“…”

“Honestly, I know even if you postpone, there’s little I can do. But—”

Her eyes filled with tears.

“Jutti has no more time to prepare for another wedding.”

“I will add to your dowry from Royem. Would that help?”

“It’s impossible…”

Miryu bowed her head, unable to meet her gaze.

Queen Isabella sighed softly.

“There’s no need to thank me. We’re family now; this is manageable.”

But this compensation was a heavy burden.

Noble honor was incredibly important.

Most likely, Royem would have to relinquish some of the exclusive trade and maritime rights they demanded from Duke Blanchet to settle.

‘Maybe even more than that…’

Queen Isabella asked Miryu, touched.

“But, dear, what do you think about postponing the wedding?”

“…What?”

Miryu’s eyes widened again.

Hesen gently added.

“Mother, perhaps we can just overlook this?”

“Of course. But Hesen, delaying might cause more harm, including the risk that the wedding might not happen at all.”

Hesen nodded, unable to deny his mother’s point.

Duchess Blanchet, having regained her influence, could interfere with the wedding.

And the Royem Kingdom had no real reason to oppose her.

It might be better, even at the cost of some face, to delay the wedding.

“Miryu, what do you think—”

“Mother.”

Miryu suddenly stood and knelt before Isabella.

“This is all my fault for not stopping Diana.”

“…”

“Honestly, I know we can’t do much even if you postpone. But—”

Tears fell from her innocent eyes.

“Jutti has no time left to prepare for another wedding.”

“I will add to your dowry from Royem. Would that be enough?”

“It’s impossible…”

Miryu bowed her head, unable to lift her gaze.

Queen Isabella sighed gently.

“There’s no need to thank me. We’re family now; this is manageable.”

However, this compensation was not a trivial matter.

Noble honor was extremely significant.

Most likely, Royem would have to give up some of the exclusive trade rights and maritime privileges they demanded from Duke Blanchet.

‘Maybe even more than that…’

Queen Isabella asked Miryu, moved.

“But, dear, what do you think about postponing the wedding?”

~·~·*· . ·**##^^##**· . ·*·~·~

Hey there, It’s Green Rose 😉

Since I human I might have make some mistakes while translating so please if you find them let me know here in the comments or in the Discord group so I can correct them and be careful in the future so they do not repeat.

Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

~~~Next Chapter~~~

Next chapter will be released Tomorrow.

See you then!!