Chapter 9

"I also hope to have a good relationship with you," I bow deeply before suddenly realizing.

"By the way, are you familiar with the scandal at my house—the story of my sister Adele's engagement being broken off by Prince Maël?"

"Eh? Ah... well..."

"I want you to know the details. It's fine to decide about marriage after hearing the story."

"No, but—"

"Listen."

"Yes."

It would be better to confirm the current standing of my family, the Mercoeur Dukedom, in society before deciding on marriage.

It's a painful memory that I never want to recall again.

This happened two years ago.

◇◇◇

It was the glamorous debut evening in society.

I wore a fashionable dress and attended with a fluttering heart.

However, a commotion occurred that completely erased all my joy.

Prince Maël, holding his mistress Victoria, denounced my sister, his fiancée, in front of a large number of guests.

"My fiancée, Adele, has long insulted Victoria! The idea of such a treacherous, short-sighted, and cold-hearted woman becoming the future queen mother is revolting! I will break off the engagement!"

I didn't miss it. For a moment, Victoria, who was leaning against Prince Maël, had a triumphant look on her face.

My sister's honor was shredded in front of a large crowd.

"Adele de Blanchard will be exiled from the country!"

I couldn't understand what was happening for a moment.

Was Prince Maël, who had been living freely with his mistress, staging this farce to justify his own actions?

I didn't understand.

"Adele's sister—she's over there. She should hate her sister for her crimes!!"

"..."

"The Mercoeur Dukedom will have its assets confiscated! The title must be returned. The family should be sent to the borderlands!"

The people around me quickly dispersed.

The warm gazes of those who had been watching my debut in society turned cold.

A chill ran down my spine, and I felt a cold, uncomfortable sensation in my stomach.

It seems that not only my sister but also my parents and I would be punished.

What a cruel treatment.

Victoria, that woman, is the daughter of a merchant, not a noble.

She approached Prince Maël using her extraordinary beauty.

Unfamiliar with the etiquette and customs of society, Victoria was a refreshing change for Prince Maël, who had only been with subservient women.

She took Prince Maël out and taught him all sorts of entertainment, including gambling, smoking, and drinking. My sister, who was upright, virtuous, and more noble than anyone else, could not tolerate this.

No matter how much she tried to reason with Prince Maël, he wouldn't listen, so she spoke directly to Victoria. Prince Maël assumed it was jealousy and bullying.

My sister was even preparing to accept Victoria as a public mistress. But Victoria must have seen it as a humiliating act.

A woman who hasn't received the education of a queen cannot become a princess.

My sister stood tall, looking up at Prince Maël. I could only see her back, so I didn't know what expression she had.

She must be feeling regret and resentment.

I wanted to run to her and embrace her.

But I was too afraid of the people around us, and my feet wouldn't move.

Prince Maël, who suddenly broke off the engagement, was terrifying. But even more terrifying were the people who changed their attitudes based on others' words and actions.

"Right. Her sister, who was making her debut in society today, was over there. You said they were close. How about exiling her too?"

"Prince Maël, please don't. My sister is not involved in my actions."

"Didn't you tell me that the actions of someone in a responsible position affect not only themselves but also their family?"

My sister, who had been standing tall, bowed her head like a withered flower. She had been defeated because of me.

"Where is Adele's sister?"

Even though he knew where I was, he made a show of looking for me.

Those who had quickly distanced themselves from me pointed at me. This must be what it feels like to be on a bed of nails.

"Arrest Adele's sister along with her sister!!"

"Brother, please wait."

The one who stopped Prince Maël's order was the second prince and Duke of Dragons, Prince Axel.

With his golden hair, he stood resolutely, a beautiful sight. Everyone listened to the usually quiet Prince Axel.

"What is it, Axel! Don't interfere!"

"They are the daughters of the Duke of Mercoeur."

"So what?"

"The Duchess of Mercoeur is a princess from a neighboring country. I think it's inappropriate to treat her daughters so casually."

"Shut up, be quiet!!"

My sister was taken away by the knights. I was led out of the venue by an unknown woman.

She introduced herself as Prince Axel's former wet nurse.

Thanks to the wet nurse's guidance, I managed to escape the castle and return home.

However, many knights had stormed our house, and the furnishings were being seized.

Our family fell from grace in a single night.