Chapter 85

I left Altair, who was making a fuss, and came out onto the terrace. Although I was bothered by the fact that my uncle and Melissa were always around, I decided to put my worries aside for a moment, annoyed by their scheming without saying anything to me.

'Actually, I can do this because I know that Altair isn't as naive as to fall for my uncle or Melissa.'

I was worried that coming to the capital for the Silver Jubilee would mean that Altair would step into the stage where all the tragedies in the novel take place. I was also concerned that my uncle and Melissa, who had ignored me and taken everything, might treat Altair the same way. However, after spending some time in the capital, I realized that all my worries were unfounded, and I felt a bit relieved. My uncle and Melissa couldn't treat Altair casually, and it seemed that Prince Orca, the source of the tragedy, had failed to reach out to Altair. It seemed that Altair's situation was very different from the poor one in the novel. But I couldn't let my guard down. Since the reason for the change was the wealth he had acquired, I had to protect and grow it. If Eilsworth's finances took a turn for the worse, the scary situation might come closer again.

'I've read a lot of stories like that.'

Stories where the protagonist, who has fallen into the story, tries hard to change the predetermined future but ends up following the original plot. 'The world flows according to its predetermined fate!' is a familiar development. Of course, there's no need to think too negatively... But I can't let my guard down and get too complacent with the situation.

'I don't know what, but Altair is working hard.'

Making connections with Duke Bioskes and accepting my uncle and Melissa to some extent. He must be working hard according to a plan. And that will definitely help Eilsworth's future.

'If that's the case, I can't lose either.'

Since Altair told me I was a great person, I wanted to really become a great person.

'I'll do what I can do.'

First, I need to steadily grow Eilsworth's finances. That will be the foundation for Eilsworth not to be ignored and for Altair not to be swayed by bad influences. Business isn't just about having good products; ultimately, relationships are important. Especially with nobles, they often value other aspects more than the value of the product, so I need to build good relationships with them while staying in the capital. With that in mind, as soon as I entered the grand ballroom, many people's gazes fell on me. My timid heart made me want to shrink, but I forced my shoulders back. Which group should I approach to start the conversation? The most influential group is led by the Emperor, today's host. He was busy receiving the congratulations of the distinguished nobles along with the Empress. Next were the groups of the Crown Prince and the Second Prince. Younger nobles were gathered around them, having lively conversations. And by Prince Orca, the Third Prince...

'It's eerily quiet...'

Although a few people had visited because of the impressive gift he gave the Emperor today, compared to the other princes, it was quite sparse.

'When you're so openly ignored, it's no wonder you become twisted and do such scary things.'

If you were in that state from birth to adulthood, it's understandable that anger would build up inside. I've always been afraid of Prince Orca, but right now, I felt a bit sorry for him. Lost in thought, I slowly moved my steps, and a familiar voice reached my ears.

"Is something the matter, Lady?"

'Huh?'

Startled, I snapped out of my thoughts and looked up to find Prince Orca right in front of me.

'W-What am I doing here!'

Lost in thought about how pitiful Prince Orca was, I had unknowingly walked right up to him.

'There's no need for my thoughts and actions to align so perfectly!'

That's why the life of a clumsy person is so hard. I was internally shocked, and Prince Orca also looked surprised.

His usually curved eyes were wide open, and his pupils were clearly visible. But the surprise didn't last long. Prince Orca quickly returned to his usual smiling face and pointed to the groups of the Crown Prince and the Second Prince.

"Going over there will help with what you're trying to do. They have great connections."

Since he had noticed what I was trying to do and even gave me friendly advice to go there, I felt even more hesitant to move. Prince Orca's advice wasn't wrong, but...

Wouldn't it be strange to immediately say, 'Oh, right!' and move? As I hesitated, Prince Orca chuckled.

"Really like a fan..."

After a small, quiet mutter, Prince Orca asked.

"Have you never thought that our country's inheritance law is unreasonable?"

Although he asked in his usual light tone, it wasn't a light topic.

'Inheritance law?'

For a prince to mention the unfairness of the inheritance law could easily be seen as treason.

"The empire has a strict primogeniture system. All the family's wealth and titles go to the eldest son, leaving nothing for the rest. Well, unless the eldest son has a disqualification."

I quickly looked around, but fortunately, no one was nearby. Knowing this, Prince Orca continued.

"It's even more unfair for women. They aren't even considered for inheritance. If you had been born a boy, you would have been Viscount Bain by now, but because you're a girl, the position went to your uncle. Wasn't that unfair?"

"Of course, no one would be happy in that situation."

Could anyone elegantly say, 'What can you do about the empire's laws?' But I understood why Prince Orca, the Third Prince, was asking such a question. To become Emperor, he would need the Crown Prince and the Second Prince to die, which is not just rare but almost impossible. He had found a common ground with me, who had not inherited the family's wealth and titles because I was a girl, and himself, who was completely excluded from the line of succession as the third son.

"Have you never thought about changing it?"

"Th-That... If you say that here..."

Prince Orca was calm, but I was fidgeting. Worried that someone might be eavesdropping, I glanced around, and Prince Orca chuckled.

"I didn't mean to put you in a difficult position. I was just curious. What other people think. Whether I'm the only one who has 'those' thoughts."

Why is he telling me this? Cold sweat trickled down my back.

'I don't really want to know the villain's inner thoughts...'

The aftermath of a villain revealing their inner thoughts is predictable. 'So, be on my side!' or 'Now that you know my plans, die!'

'I don't want either!'

I should have run when Prince Orca gave me the chance to leave. Staying because his loneliness weighed on me was a mistake. Prince Orca was still waiting for my answer. He didn't seem to want to back off until I said something. Worried that my answer might provoke him, I carefully replied.

"Indeed, it was unfair to me. I did wonder why the law was like that and why things turned out this way."

In a world where all children have equal inheritance rights, it felt even more unfair.

"Thinking about changing it, I guess anyone in a similar situation would. But since things have already happened, even if the law changes, it won't be retroactive. So, other things were more important to me."

"Other things?"

"Being a person's value isn't just shown by the family's wealth and titles. I kept thinking about that. Even without the family's wealth and titles, I am a valuable person. So, I didn't get too bogged down and kept moving forward..."

Moreover, at the time, the bigger issue for me was death. If the story progressed as in the novel, what good would wealth or titles be? We would all die anyway. But Prince Orca, who didn't know this, seemed intrigued by my answer and looked down with a strange smile.

"Being a person's value isn't just shown by the family's wealth and titles..."

Clearly, Orca had more to say but stopped. It felt like he was saying, 'But that's all I have.' The atmosphere became even heavier than before. Worried that I had said something wrong, I looked at Orca, and a few people approached the quiet surroundings.

"Do you two know each other?"

Our unusual combination had caught their attention.

"Yes. I was once in the care of the Eilsworth estate while recuperating, so I know her well. Lady, you were very helpful."

Prince Orca returned to his usual smiling self and started interacting with the people, and more people gathered around. Watching Prince Orca take control of the conversation, a strange sense of unease washed over me. This was the point where Prince Orca began to dominate the social scene. The point where the 'novel' with its tragic ending was approaching. *** The Silver Jubilee ball was a great success. I had met the Emperor, formed connections with influential nobles, and successfully promoted the magic stones to them. Many families expressed interest in purchasing the magic stones. The amount, calculated in contracts, was astronomical. Despite this, I felt more anxious than happy. Altair, after returning to the mansion, kept looking at me with a dejected expression, as if he wanted to say something but didn't.

'He's probably worried I'll question what he's doing.'

It seemed he was involved in some kind of deal with my uncle and didn't want to tell me.

'But this isn't Eilsworth Castle; it's the Bain Viscount's mansion.'

A place familiar to both me and Mari. Especially Mari, who had a vast network. If Altair wasn't going to tell me, I would find out myself! I secretly called Mari and asked her.

"Mari, the family lawyer is coming tomorrow. Can you find out what it's about?"

"The family lawyer, Sir Damon. I have a friend among his servants. I'll find out quickly. But..."

Mari smiled reassuringly but asked cautiously.

"Are you taking your medicine regularly?"

"Medicine? The one from Eilsworth?"

"Yes."

"Of course. Mari and Anna are making sure I take it."

Thanks to the doctor's advice, both of them were vigilant, making it impossible to skip doses. They even checked my meals to avoid anything that might interfere with the medicine, which had led to some whispers.

"I think I can stop now. I feel much better."

Sighing, I felt it was unnecessary to make such a fuss when I wasn't seriously ill. Mari quickly disagreed.

"That's not a good idea!"

Surprised by her strong reaction, I looked at her, and she sighed.

"We still have a lot of the medicine left. If you don't take it, we'll have to throw it away, which would be a waste."

"Um..."

"Anyway, I'll find out what you asked me to."

Mari hurried away. Watching her leave, I felt a strange unease and tilted my head.