Miryu had been on edge since the morning.
Today, Estelle was coming to Royeam Manor.
‘What on earth is her real intention?’
All this time, Miryu had been subtly asking Hesen about Estelle, trying to find out everything about her and understand her true motives.
But Estelle had done nothing.
However, Miryu’s surroundings began to change little by little.
Hesen, who had previously said he didn’t even talk much with Lady Blanchet, praised Estelle.
‘Miryu, you have a really good friend.’
Queen Isabella also refused to understand Miryu’s feelings and was even harsher toward her.
‘I’m glad things are going well. But since you’ve shown such good intentions, you must be even more careful not to make mistakes. Do you understand?’
Because of this, Miryu couldn’t fall asleep easily every night. When she finally managed to doze off, she would wake up screaming from nightmares.
Miryu nervously bit her nails — a childhood habit she had barely managed to give up.
‘This can’t go on.’
A flowerpot suddenly fell loudly at her feet as she was walking, startlingly breaking apart. The maids around her gasped and rushed toward Miryu.
“Oh my! Miss Miryu, are you okay?”
“Who put the flowerpot in such a place? You nearly got hurt!”
The maids looked surprised for a moment, but Miryu, irritated, snapped at them.
“Clean that up quickly! Do you think you can properly entertain guests like this? If you act like this again, you’ll be kicked out of this mansion!”
As Miryu disappeared, the maids looked at each other in confusion.
“Why is she acting like that? She’s not like that usualy.”
Miryu had always treated them kindly, no matter what. So her new behavior was very disconcerting to them.
“Maybe she’s nervous because of the wedding coming up?”
“Perhaps. Or maybe she’s hiding something.”
One of the maids, quietly sweeping up the broken flowerpot, whispered.
“Maybe she’s always been like that, but she was just hiding it.”
“No way…”
“Before the wedding, she can’t do anything wrong. So, be careful too. Don’t get involved and end up getting hurt.”
From the Royeam mansion, strange stories about Miryu, who was like an angel, started to circulate.
~·~·*· . ·*· . ·*· . ·*·~·~
The Royeam family held a banquet as an apology.
They transformed the entire Royeam estate into a grand banquet hall. Queen Isabella, hearing of my arrival, welcomed me gracefully.
“Hello, Duchess Blanchet.”
“Hello, Lord Royeam’s representative.”
Queen Isabella had a very intense presence, fitting her nickname as the Iron Queen.
‘Patricia comes to mind.’
She looked extremely picky and strict, like Patricia, but also had a hunter-like aura reminiscent of Diana, whom I had met before.
“This modest banquet was prepared solely for you, Duchess Blanchet. I hope it will meet your expectations.”
Despite calling it modest, the Royeam banquet looked quite elaborate, showing effort in its preparation.
‘Maybe she’s just grateful that I let her go so easily?’
Well, the Crown Prince Hesen left feeling very pleased, after all.
‘Hello, Duchess Blanchet. I am Crown Prince Hesen Royeam. I heard you had a difficult time because of my fiancée’s rudeness.’
Hesen approached Duchess Blanchet with a very polite expression, even offering a list of what he thought would be appropriate compensation.
‘Deprivation of Princess Diana’s knighthood— isn’t that too harsh?’
‘Since she acted in a way unbecoming of a knight, she must take responsibility.’
‘There’s mention of additional compensation beyond what you promised—what exactly are you offering?’
‘…It’s as I said. Since we at Royeam have decided to cover the compensation for Lord Jutti’s estate, Duchess Blanchet, please tell us what you desire. Just, I ask that it be within what Royeam can afford.’
Hesen looked very serious, as if expecting I would demand a lot.
‘This is way too much.’
But I had no intention of asking for that.
‘I’m already satisfied with what I’ve received so far. The more I get, the more I worry.’
Pretending to worry about Miryu, I carefully accepted a reasonable amount of compensation.
‘I don’t want any trouble for Miryu. Things between us have become too complicated.’
Do you forgive Miryu?
‘Forgive? I’ve never hated or thought badly of her. There was some misunderstanding while we were apart, but she’s still my only friend.’
The reason for my behavior was simple.
What matters to me now isn’t the reward from the Royeam family.
‘Rather…’
My real goal was to thoroughly uncover the truth behind Miryu, who spread malicious rumors and what she was really doing.
It’s clear she didn’t act alone. Someone must be behind her.
Otherwise, it’s impossible to spread such rumors that the entire social circle of the Empire would believe.
Queen Isabella had a few conversations with me before leaving to greet other guests.
‘Looks like she invited many people to keep up appearances.’
As I looked around at the other nobles enjoying the banquet, I suddenly saw the person I was looking for right in front of me.
Miryu was dressed in a magnificent purple gown.
But her lavish dress made her face, pale as if she’d been dreaming nightmares, look even more corpse-like.
“Oh, Miryu.”
I smiled softly and took her icy hand in mine. Miryu awkwardly greeted me.
“Hello, Duchess Blanchet.”
“Don’t call me that in such a formal way.”
Noticing her awkwardness, I lowered my brows as if upset.
“Are you mad at me because of what happened?”
“…Huh?”
“Sorry. I should have stopped John more firmly. Is that why there’s trouble with the wedding? Or did something happen with your fiancé…?”
Even though I pretended not to care, the surrounding nobles were watching us carefully.
‘This must be a very interesting spectacle.’
Miryu, glancing sideways at the nobles, quickly replied.
“No, Estelle. Our wedding has no problems.”
“Really?”
“Of course. Things are still good between Hesen and me. The wedding will proceed as scheduled. All thanks to your forgiveness.”
I scrutinized Miryu’s face, trying to pretend to be indifferent. She seemed to have hidden her fatigue behind her glamorous makeup, but I could sense it clearly.
‘Is she afraid of what I might do?’
It was time to let her know what was about to happen.
I suddenly hugged Miryu as if I was overwhelmed with emotion, tears welling in my eyes as if I was happy that everything was resolved.
Then I whispered softly in her ear.
‘Then I suppose I can finally reveal it?’
I spoke quietly, while casually lifting my head.
Miryu, faced with me, forced a bright smile and pretended she hadn’t heard anything.
“What did you just say?”
“Don’t you understand?”
“Oh… you didn’t hear? Well, I guess there are quite a few people here for us to have a private conversation.”
Some of the nobles eavesdropping looked away awkwardly, but they still paid close attention to our voices.
Miryu pressed her hand on my shoulder and whispered low, still smiling brightly.
“What’s your real plan?”
“I just want to help you. Don’t misunderstand me like that.”
“What misunderstanding—”
“Then shall I tell everyone?”
I raised my voice just enough for the other nobles to hear.
“Are you saying you’re the illegitimate child of Lord Jutti…?”
“Fine, that’s enough!”
Miryu suddenly clapped her hands and raised her voice.
“There’s a library on the second floor. It’s perfect for us to clear up this misunderstanding. What do you think?”
Miryu’s hazel eyes flickered.
I gently smiled, curling the corners of my eyes.
“I think that’s great too.”
~·~·*· . ·*· . ·*· . ·*·~·~
Miryu hurriedly took Estelle into Hesen’s library.
Bang!
She slammed the door loudly, then, confirming there was no one inside, she snapped at Estelle.
“What do you want?”
But Estelle didn’t answer immediately.
She leisurely looked around Hesen’s library, standing in front of the wine cabinet, and asked.
“You seem to like wine, your fiancé does.”
Hesen’s hobby was collecting wine. So Miryu often spent cozy times drinking wine with him.
Estelle, holding a bottle from the wine display, smiled brightly.
“There are two glasses and good wine. Why don’t we toast together?”
“Don’t be ridiculous, just get to the point. Why do you keep threatening me with such nonsense?”
“Why are you so angry?”
Estelle tilted her head, looking confused by Miryu’s reaction.
“Are you worried I’ll reveal that you’re an illegitimate child?”
“…”
“Don’t worry. If I wanted to reveal it, I would have done so long ago. Why would I wait until now?”
With a gentle voice, Miryu finally regained her composure.
“So that’s what it’s about.”
She realized her own foolishness for trying to figure out her true purpose. If Estelle wanted something, there was only one thing she desired.
‘She’s after one of my weaknesses.’
Her goal was to completely uncover the truth behind the malicious rumors Estelle spread, and what she was really up to.
It was clear she didn’t act alone. Someone had to be behind her.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to spread such rumors that the entire imperial social circle believed.
Queen Isabella, after chatting with me a few times, left to greet the other guests.
‘It looks like she invited many people to keep up appearances.’
As I looked around at the nobles enjoying the banquet, I suddenly saw the person I was seeking right in front of me.
Miryu was dressed in a dazzling purple dress.
But her face, as pale as if she’d seen a nightmare, made her look even more like a corpse.
“Oh, Miryu.”
I smiled gently and took her cold hand. Miryu awkwardly greeted me.
“Hello, Duchess Blanchet.”
“Don’t call me that so formally.”
Seeing her awkwardness, I lowered my eyebrows as if upset.
“Are you mad at me because of what happened?”
“…Huh?”
“Sorry. I should have stopped John more firmly. Is that why there’s trouble with the wedding? Or did something happen with your fiancé?”
Even though I pretended not to care, the nobles around us were watching us carefully.
‘This must be quite a spectacle.’
Miryu, glancing sideways at the nobles, quickly responded.
“No, Estelle. Our wedding has no problems.”
“Really?”
“Of course. Things are still good between Hesen and me. The wedding will go ahead as planned. All thanks to your forgiveness.”
I examined Miryu’s face carefully, trying to act casually. Though she tried to hide her fatigue with glamorous makeup, I could see the signs clearly.
‘Is she afraid of what I might do?’
It was time to let her know what was coming.
I suddenly embraced Miryu as if overwhelmed, tears in my eyes, pretending to be happy that everything was resolved.
Then I whispered softly in her ear.
‘So, I can finally make my move now.’
I spoke quietly, casually lifting my head.
Miryu, faced with me, forced a bright smile and pretended she hadn’t heard.
“What did you just say?”
“Don’t you understand?”
“Oh… you didn’t hear? Well, I suppose there are quite a few people here, so I’ll keep it private.”
Some nobles who had been listening glanced away awkwardly but kept paying attention to our conversation.
Miryu pressed her hand on my shoulder and whispered low, still smiling.
“What’s your real plan?”
“I just want to help you. Don’t misunderstand me.”
“What misunderstanding—”
“Then shall I tell everyone?”
I raised my voice slightly so the nearby nobles could hear.
“Are you saying you’re the illegitimate child of Lord Jutti…?”
“Enough, that’s enough!”
Miryu suddenly clapped her hands and raised her voice.
“There’s a study on the second floor. It’s perfect for us to clear things up. What do you say?”
Her hazel eyes flickered.
I smiled gently, curling my lips.
“Sounds good to me, too.”
~·~·*· . ·*· . ·*· . ·*·~·~
Miryu quickly took Estelle into Hesen’s study.
Bang!
She slammed the door loudly, then, confirming no one was inside, snapped at Estelle.
“What do you want?”
But Estelle didn’t answer immediately.
She leisurely looked around Hesen’s study, standing before the wine cabinet, and asked.
“You seem to like wine, your fiancé does.”
Hesen’s hobby was collecting wine. So Miryu often spent cozy times drinking wine with him.
Estelle, holding a bottle from the wine display, smiled brightly.
“There are two glasses and good wine. Why don’t we toast together?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Just tell me what you want. Why keep threatening me with nonsense?”
“Why are you so angry?”
Estelle tilted her head, looking confused by Miryu’s reaction.
“Are you worried I’ll reveal that you’re an illegitimate child?”
“…”
“Don’t worry. If I wanted to, I’d have done it a long time ago. Why wait until now?”
With a gentle tone, Miryu finally regained her composure.
“So, that’s what it’s about.”
She realized her foolishness in trying to understand her true purpose. If Estelle wanted something, there was only one thing.
‘She’s after my one weakness.’
Her goal was to fully uncover the truth behind Estelle’s spreading of malicious rumors and her real intentions.
Clearly, she wasn’t acting alone. Someone was behind her.
Otherwise, she couldn’t spread such believable rumors among the entire imperial social circle.
Queen Isabella, after a few chats with me, left to greet the other guests.
‘It looks like she invited many people to maintain appearances.’
As I looked around at the nobles enjoying the banquet, I suddenly saw the person I was looking for right in front of me.
Miryu was dressed in a stunning purple gown.
But her face, pale as if she’d seen a nightmare, made her look even more like a corpse.
“Oh, Miryu.”
I smiled softly and took her cold hand. Miryu greeted me awkwardly.
“Hello, Duchess Blanchet.”
“Don’t call me that so formally.”
Seeing her awkwardness, I lowered my eyebrows in mock annoyance.
“Are you mad at me because of what happened?”
“…Huh?”
“Sorry. I should have stopped John more firmly. Is that why there’s trouble with the wedding? Or did something happen with your fiancé?”
Even though I pretended not to care, the nobles around us watched us carefully.
‘This must be quite a spectacle.’
Miryu, glancing sideways at the nobles, quickly responded.
“No, Estelle. Our wedding has no problems.”
“Really?”
“Of course. Things are still good between Hesen and me. The wedding will go ahead as planned. All thanks to your forgiveness.”
I looked closely at Miryu’s face, trying to pretend casually. Though she tried to hide her fatigue with glamorous makeup, I could see the signs clearly.
‘Is she afraid of what I might do?’
It was time to let her know what was coming.
I suddenly embraced Miryu as if overwhelmed, tears in my eyes, pretending to be happy that everything was resolved.
Then I whispered softly in her ear.
‘So, I can finally make my move now.’
I spoke quietly, casually lifting my head.
Miryu, facing me, forced a bright smile and pretended she hadn’t heard.
“What did you just say?”
“Don’t you understand?”
“Oh… you didn’t hear? Well, I suppose there are quite a few people here, so I’ll keep it private.”
Some of the nobles who had been listening looked away awkwardly but continued to watch us closely.
Miryu pressed her hand on my shoulder and whispered low, still smiling.
“What’s your real plan?”
“I just want to help you. Don’t misunderstand me.”
“What misunderstanding—”
“Then shall I tell everyone?”
I raised my voice just enough for others to hear.
“Are you saying you’re the illegitimate child of Lord Jutti…?”
“Enough, that’s enough!”
Miryu suddenly clapped her hands and raised her voice.
“There’s a study on the second floor. It’s perfect for us to clarify everything. What do you say?”
Her hazel eyes flickered.
I smiled gently, curling my lips.
“Sounds good to me, too.”
~·~·*· . ·**##^^##**· . ·*·~·~
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!!
