21. Eventful Party (Part 2)
Carter’s theatrical lies echoed through the venue. By that time, the orchestra had stopped playing because they could read the mood.
“I’ve always found the marriage my parents imposed on me burdensome. Not only did I have to give her a present on her birthday, I also can’t choose who to escort at balls! Do you know how painful this is!?”
At Carter’s heartbreaking cries, Dellyrud and her younger brother whispered to each other.
“…Older Sister, correct me if I’m wrong, but as far as I remember, he never gave you any presents?”
“True. Also, when was the last time he escorted me to the ball?”
They were gobsmacked.
Carter monologued like the protagonist of a tragedy, but the rest of the students only scowled at him.
“…Ugh.”
After all, the entire school knew how obsessed Carter was with Mara.
If anything, seeing him acting so self-centered while lying like breathing was such a turn off for them.
Finding Carter’s soliloquy amusing, Lydian listened attentively, but he finally couldn’t hold it back anymore and burst out laughing.
“Huh—!? Why are you laughing—!?”
Carter’s ego was bruised. He was seething.
“Ahahaha. How am I supposed not to laugh? What’s the deal with political marriages? Seriously, you’re still asking that? Even children who’re born into an aristocratic family understand their duties and work hard, but look at you! You’re the next head of the family, yet you’re this ignorant. How laughable. Despite how prestigious and close your family is with the royal family, somehow a fool like you is at the top!”
…Lydian’s words were merciless.
Barraged by insults, Carter began to tear up.
He was very fragile.
“S-so what!? Don’t bring my father into this! I didn’t choose to be born in this family!”
Carter tearfully rebuked, his entire body shivering. At that moment, he looked like a frightened puppy, but Lydian didn’t give a damn.
“Yet, you took advantage of your status to indulge that girl. There’s no way a commoner can afford such a luxurious dress, right? Haa… I feel sorry for the young lady who was engaged to a man like you. As the crown prince, I can’t apologize enough. I don’t like seeing a disharmonious marriage, either. I’ll propose to your fiancée and father to annul the engagement.”
When Lydian spoke with a smile, Carter shuddered.
Marriage with Dellyrud had great benefits for Carter’s family. Great benefits, such as helping their trading company, which was currently in the red.
…Only now did Carter remember the purpose of his marriage with Dellyrud. Without her, the asset would be withdrawn… and they’d bite the dust.
“H-how can you let this happen!? That’s abuse of power! Aren’t you ashamed of yourself!?”
Carter glared at Lydian, who simply blinked.
“Huh? Why are you criticizing me? Who was it that loathed his engagement so much? I’m simply lending you a hand.”
“A-also, why are you calling it an ‘annulment’ instead of a ‘dissolution’!?”
Carter’s expression was as if he’d chewed a bug.
Being a self-proclaimed genius, Carter was aware that he lacked legitimacy. The only reason he kept arguing back was because of his unnecessarily high pride.
Lydian snorted.
“You’ve dishonored your fiancée with your one-sided feelings. You are the ones who broke the rule, so a penalty is in order.”
Lydian spoke while smiling grandly.
Upon seeing that, everyone was impressed by their crown prince.
“…He’s so fair and just.”
In truth, Lydian merely couldn’t trust people like Baldi and Carter, who shirked their responsibilities without batting an eye. He wanted to nip them in the bud.
Seeing through the crown prince’s true intention, Carter stuttered.
Rather than rebutting, Carter tried to appeal to Lydian’s better nature.
“But Mara is an angel. Baldi and I were saved by her. Is it such a sin to fall for her?”
The anger that had previously marred his face was replaced with sorrow. Carter had the face of a man who was devoted to the woman he cherished.
However, Lydian wasn’t swayed by Carter’s tears at all. Instead, he stared at Carter as if he was a strange creature.
“Honestly, what is there to like about her? Not only did she have no manners, but she’s also careless with money. She also lacked the morals not to pursue someone who’s already engaged.”
Crossing his arms, Lydian asked, looking genuinely clueless.
“—What did you say!? You can insult us as much as you like, but don’t insult Mara! Mara is really kind! You’re one to talk! Do you know what kind of person Lady Eleonora truly is!? Don’t you dare insult another woman when you don’t even know the true nature of the woman who stands beside you! We have evidence for her wrongdoings!”
Baldi shouted, baring his fangs at Lydian like an untrained dog.
“Hee? I applaud your courage.”
When his beloved Eleonora was insulted, Lydian’s anger spiked.
His eyes were wide open, without any glimmer of light to be seen within. Everyone was frozen solid because of his chilling gaze.
Especially Baldi, the recipient of said gaze. He seemed about to collapse.
…By the way, Eleonora was also terrified, but for an entirely different reason.
‘Evidence for my wrongdoings…? Did they discover my involvement in THAT incident? Or is it the OTHER one?’ (Eleonora)
Eleonora’s heart was beating wildly because her conscience wasn’t exactly clean either…
After all, Eleonora had asked Luna to set up a trap for someone she disliked.
For example, the pit in the courtyard.
The pit, which was concealed with grass, was filled with a lot of sea mud (a skincare product used by the Kuzuf Kingdom).
Oil (cosmetic body oil) was sprinkled in the hallway to make it slippery, and ropes (woven by craftsmen) were set up in various spots to entangle people’s feet.
Due to Eleonora’s unrequited obsession, all the devices were of the highest quality.
…When it came to mischief, she spared no effort and money.
The leftover materials were used by Luna and the other maids. They were very appreciative about them. As a side note, they had better skin quality than most noble ladies.
‘If my wrongdoing is exposed, my position will be in jeopardy! If I don’t do something, I won’t be able to marry His Highness Lydian…’ (Eleonora)
Eleonora was anxious, trying to find a way to silence Baldi before any evidence was presented.
“—Your Highness! Pardon the intrusion, but can you let me take care of this…?”
Only then did Eleonora notice that something was off with the atmosphere of the venue. Everyone was surprised that she’d nonchalantly speak up to Lydian, who looked like a ferocious demonic beast. Eleonora, who’d known him for a long time, was unfazed by such a thing.
While tilting her head, she collected herself and spoke to Lydian.
“Your Highness, did you hear me?”
“Forgive me, Eleonora. I was beside myself with anger… So, Eleonora wishes to bring this unsightly thing to justice? What about leaving the rest to me? Otherwise, I wouldn’t know what to do with this grievance and frustration.”
Lydian, who pleaded to her with his gaze, seemed like a puppy. Eleonora was tongue-tied, but she couldn’t feel safe unless she shut their mouth herself.
“Your Highness, please entrust this to me. Besides, you owe me for last time! I won’t give up on this matter.”
Eleonora was more persistent than usual because she was afraid of being exposed for her misdeeds.
She was desperate to cover for herself…
…But to those who knew nothing, she appeared like a sensible woman admonishing the tyrant.
Baldi stared incredulously at Eleonora.
‘I disparaged her, yet she’s trying to save me…! Is she as merciful as everyone says!? If so, I’ve been mistaken about her this whole time!’ (Baldi)
Baldi, a simpleton, was ashamed of his lack of foresight.
He reverted quickly, but Lydian’s gaze was so scary, he rushed to prostrate himself before Eleonora.
“Lady Eleonora, I’m so sorry! You’re so kind, but I misunderstood and said something terrible about you!”
Eleonora’s face twitched at Baldi’s sincere apology.
‘I don’t need your apology! Who is it!? Who ratted me out!?Tell me so I can get rid of the evidence!!’ (Eleonora)
Eleonora cried inwardly, but she desperately endured it until the last second.
Looking at Baldi, who was now a changed man, and the compassionate Eleonora put a smile on everyone’s face.
…Suffice to say, the dissonance of reality deepened even further.
Lydian laughed—for real, this time.
‘If she’s so angry, she can just beat them up. However, Eleonora refuses to do so. That’s why she’s so precious and kind.’ (Lydian)
From the perspective of someone as radical as Lydian, Eleonora was the epitome of merciful.
Such a peaceful atmosphere was interrupted by Mara.
A heroine stood out because there was a villainess.
…So why was the villainess being revered and worshiped like a saint?
The story was all about Mara! Therefore, Eleonora, a villainess, should rightfully be condemned!
Mara was also annoyed at the fact that nobody praised her.
‘—Hmph! Don’t think you can get away with this! I’ll send you to the guillotine just like in the game!’ (Mara)
As she laughed triumphantly in her heart, Mara cried out to Baldi with a look of trepidation on her face.
“Don’t be fooled, Baldi! She’s an evil woman through and through…! We gathered evidence together, right!? Carter! Hurry up and bring the evidence! We shall expose her right here and now!”
Carter nodded at Mara’s strong words and sent one of the students to fetch the evidence.
Mara and Lydian were confident, Baldi was anxious, while Eleonora was sweating. Each of them was in their own headspace.
Berthold and Theselius kept their distance so as not to get in the way.
If Eleonora had asked them for help, they’d have rushed to her aid like proper knights. After all, they truly believed she’d changed. However, now that Lydian was around, they’d have no use.
Translator’s Note:
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