Chapter 57
“So, you mean to find that justification in my grandfather’s death?”
“Yes. Without that, it would be impossible to weaken my father’s power.”
“However, even so, the person related to the death of the former Grand Duke is the former king. The current king is not directly involved. The former king has already passed away; what good would it do to reveal this now?”
“The king was already an adult and a prince at the time. Could he really have known nothing? Even if he wasn’t directly involved, there was certainly negligence on his part. That alone is enough to hold him accountable.”
The princess gazed at me with her dark purple eyes.
“It’s a proposal that has no downside for a princess. The unjust death of the former Grand Duke will be fully revealed to the world, and the king will have to take responsibility for his negligence at that time. In return for all this, you will get what you desire.”
“So, it’s a kind of compensation. I will help you in exchange for what I can gain.”
“That’s right. It’s beneficial for both of us.”
After a while, I nodded.
“I see. I understand your intentions well.”
“Have you made up your mind? Or do you need more time to think?”
“I have already made my decision.”
I smiled at the princess.
“My thoughts have not changed from the beginning. As the protector of the North, the next Grand Duke of the Black Dragon Iskas family, I will be loyal to the kingdom and protect the royal family. That is my duty. However, that is as far as I can go. My family and I will not get involved in any disputes.”
“Are you really going to let such a good opportunity slip away?”
“I cannot risk another poison. I want to return alive to the Grand Duchy.”
Even when I compared her proposal to poison, the princess’s expression did not change significantly. She continued to ask in a calm voice.
“From the Grand Duke’s perspective, wouldn’t he want the truth of his father’s unjust death to be revealed?”
“No, my father wishes for me not to get involved in dangerous matters. Before coming here, that was his only request: to avoid dangerous affairs.”
The princess twisted her lips and let out a short laugh.
“The Grand Duke’s family is said to have a unique bond of love among them, and it seems that is indeed the case. I’m envious, lady. To have such a father. If I had a father who loved me, would I be in a different position now?”
“My father chose me as his heir at a young age, not because I was his beloved daughter.”
I set down my teacup and looked at the princess.
“He determined I had the qualities of a grand duke. If I were just a beloved daughter, he would have sought a good husband for me instead of giving me the title of grand duke.”
This was the truth. If I hadn’t jumped into the water to change my father’s mind, I would likely be here meeting the candidates for husbands that my father recommended. And I would have dreamed of marrying one of them.
“…I see.”
Surprisingly, the princess smiled.
“In that case, I must also work hard so that my abilities can be recognized by everyone. I will prove that soon.”
Somehow, her last words felt a bit unsettling. But for now, it was better to end the conversation here.
The Duchess had advised me not to spend too long on this invitation. I realized that now was the appropriate time to get up from my seat. Staying here any longer would not be beneficial.
“The sunlight is stronger than I expected. If you don’t mind, how about we take our leave for today? It’s not a big deal for me, but I’m concerned it might affect your health.”
As the sun sank lower, the sunlight grew hotter than before. Although I used it as an excuse, it was indeed becoming too much to stay in the greenhouse.
The princess agreed readily.
“You’re right, milady. I chose this place because I wanted to talk in a place where there were no eavesdroppers, but it’s certainly not a place suitable for a long conversation. Next time, let’s talk in a more comfortable setting.”
“If you invite me, I will gladly visit the palace anytime.”
“No, next time, I will come to the Duke’s residence myself.”
Directly to the Duke’s residence? Just as I was pondering this, the princess smiled gently.
“Using the excuse of visiting the young lady, I can also meet the young duke, so it’s not a bad deal for me.”
Is she openly aiming for Hyperion?
“I want to get close to both the lady and the young duke. But strangely, the young duke has kept his distance from me for a long time. On the other hand, he seems to treat the lady very specially.”
“Since our parents are very close, it’s only natural for him to show me more courtesy; it’s nothing special.”
“Still, even considering that, the young duke’s attitude towards the lady…”
The princess trailed off, then suddenly closed her mouth, seemingly lost in thought. Then she smiled gently.
“I’ll say one last thing. I won’t give up. I will definitely obtain the two families that can support me. It would be wise for you to remember that.”
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
After parting ways with the princess, I left the greenhouse and walked through the garden. I declined the maid’s escort because I wanted to walk alone.
To be honest, I wanted to accept the princess’s proposal right then and there in the greenhouse. If my grandfather’s injustice were revealed now, wouldn’t my father be pleased? That had been his lifelong wish.
But I couldn’t do that.
Even though the former king is already dead, digging into that matter would ultimately hurt many people. Would the king really just stand by and watch the princess act like that? What if the king decided to abolish the Grand Duke title, just like in the original story, because of that incident?
I paused for a moment and took a deep breath. Yes, I cannot recklessly swallow something without knowing if it’s a medicinal herb or poison. Refusing was the right choice.
Still, it felt a bit unjust. There’s even a witness to the incident, yet we have to cover it up like this.
As I resumed walking, I thought of my father.
If I feel this unjust and angry right now, how must my father have felt having to abandon a long-planned revenge? How could he have decided to give up everything and live only for my mother and me?
I now realize how truly courageous it was for him to give up on revenge.
Ah, I miss my dad.
Right now, I want to hug him tightly. And I want to tell him that I’m so sorry for making him give up everything, that I truly love him.
When I return to the Duke’s residence today, I should write a letter to my parents. I already sent a letter once before, but this letter will be filled with expressions of love…
“——-“
At that moment, I heard voices coming from one side. Turning my head, I saw several maids gathered in one spot. They were watching something between the trees, and a familiar name flew into my ears.
“The young duke is always so handsome!”
Following the excited voice, another maid blushed and said, “Right? He seems to get more beautiful every day!”
“I’m so glad he’s not a magician. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to see this!”
One maid placed her hand on her chest and struck a pose as if she would faint.
“Oh, I want to swim in those blue eyes!”
“I want to slide down that chiseled jawline!”
It was truly a festival of flattery. I felt embarrassed just listening to them.
I stopped walking and stared at the squealing maids from a distance. One of them spotted me and gasped in surprise. She quickly greeted me and took everyone away.
I hadn’t intended to make them feel awkward, but I felt a bit sorry.
I walked over to where the maids had been. From there, I could see the kingdom’s knights training.
In the vast training ground, numerous knights were lined up perfectly on horseback. At the front, Hyperion was leading the knights, mounted on a white warhorse.
“It certainly feels different.”
I murmured quietly as I watched the scene. Seeing him in the company of others, I could clearly sense a different atmosphere.
When he was with me, he would get dog hair on his clothes and bow his head at the slightest gesture from me, but here he exuded an unapproachable charisma.
This was evident from the attitude of his subordinates. The knights moved in perfect unison, faithfully following his commands. He was undoubtedly a superior who commanded both fear and respect from his subordinates.
Seeing this made me understand why Derek was afraid of Hyperion. Derek is naturally afraid of anyone stronger than himself. That’s why he’s afraid of me, my father, and even Lucas, secretly….
“What are you doing here?”
“Ah!”
I jumped in surprise at the sudden voice from behind me. Startled, I turned around to see Persis standing there with his arms crossed.
TL Note: Hello Everyone. I am moving this Novel to the another site. Future updates will be posted here.
