Chapter 046
I was already planning to feature Iliana in the next issue of the gossip magazine.
I even had the title ready:
<Lady Millane’s Breakthrough: Is the Wall of Prejudice Crumbling?>
It was going to be an entirely provocative title. I intended to report extensively on the business that Lady Millane was trying to undertake, while also throwing in plenty of details about her private life.
In the next issue, I would include a photoshoot of Lady Millane and dedicate several pages to issues surrounding her. It would also be good to cover her love life if possible.
“I’ll tell you about that later, Iliana. I had something to propose to you.”
“Of course. Karina, I will vouch for their identities.”
We hadn’t said anything, but Rebecca chimed in with a good rhythm.
“It’s truly an honor that Lady Iliana trusts us. Duchess Sidney, we are absolutely not people who spread falsehoods. We are bringing this to you because you can gain perfect benefits from it.”
“Perfect benefits, you say.”
The Duchess of Sidney smiled wryly.
“Can such a thing even exist? No one comes out unscathed when faced with such issues.”
The Duchess of Sidney stroked her belly.
“This child and I will surely be hurt.”
Rebecca clenched her fist.
“Still, at the very least, the Duchess won’t suffer secondary harm. That’s why we’re here.”
“…Rebecca is right, Duchess.”
The Duchess of Sidney turned her head towards me. Her sorrowful, downcast eyes were stained with tears. Countless days of silently enduring and shedding tears were contained within them. The Duchess of Sidney had done nothing wrong.
“You are a victim, Duchess. I will ensure you never suffer further harm.”
“How will you do that? People think he’s a truly devoted husband. Will they believe what I say? And what will happen to this child after our divorce? My family will never pass the title to me. Is it really right to get a divorce when I can’t do anything for this child?”
In the novel, the Duchess of Sidney leaves the duke’s house with the child. So there was this backstory.
“Evelina, why don’t you speak up? What do you think is the right thing to do?”
“…I…”
In such cases, in Korea, one would strip the unfaithful spouse down to their underwear and expose them. This involves going through a trial and a long process.
But this was a world where the royal family stood above the law.
And in that moment, I realized.
Lady Millane was right. More than anything, I might need the title of “Crown Prince’s Fiancée.”
“I want to help the Duchess of Sidney find a path to happiness. I’ve already secured witnesses. It seems Viviana here has witnessed the infidelity several times.”
“My colleagues will also testify, madam.”
Viviana said calmly.
“And fortunately, your standing on the social scene is rising on the red carpet. Once everyone starts talking, even the Duke of Sidney won’t be able to ignore it.”
The Duchess of Sidney stared at me with tearful eyes.
“I believe His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will help me.”
Iliana smiled.
“I believe His Highness the Crown Prince is a person who upholds justice.”
At that moment, the Duchess of Sidney broke down in tears.
“I will help your child inherit the Duke of Sidney’s title, even if you have to leave with the child.”
“Th-thank you.”
The Duchess of Sidney said, crying profusely.
What I intended to do absolutely required power. I was reminded once again that this wasn’t Korea.
If it were Korea, merely exposing a celebrity’s infidelity scandal could turn the world upside down.
They would have toppled what they had built and let public opinion empower the victims.
And the law cannot completely ignore public opinion.
Surely, they could have received a substantial amount in alimony.
But here, social status existed. That realization struck me anew.
“I will do my best to ensure that the Duchess and the baby are not harmed.”
“…Alright, Evelina. I trust you and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.”
The Duchess’s tears wet my hand.
I felt a strong urge to protect the Duchess, like some kind of righteous hero.
* * *
Come to think of it, I rarely contacted Alejandro first to ask for a meeting. He always just showed up out of the blue.
Today, I personally invited Alejandro.
“Evelina.”
Alejandro smiled brightly. He particularly suited the night. His decadent appearance shone in the dark.
Wow, he’s incredibly handsome.
I wonder what it feels like to look like that.
“Your Royal Highness.”
“I’ve heard the story. Rebecca told me.”
Alejandro squinted his eyes and smiled. It felt like facing the blooming cherry blossoms of the night. Crazy, crazy… sob, that charming bastard.
“Rebecca told me that you made our engagement official. You declared to everyone that we’re going to get engaged.”
How did that get twisted? When did I declare that?
“…That’s not quite it.”
“Well, fine. I understand the young lady’s desire to announce our engagement to everyone.”
What do you understand?
I was just lost in thought until I suddenly snapped back to reality. Does anyone understand what Alejandro is saying right now?
“Then I believe the young lady will understand my feelings as well.”
“Wh-what are you talking about!”
“I plan to announce our engagement as soon as possible.”
“C-can it really be like that? No, Your Royal Highness, you are the Crown Prince! How can this be decided so freely…?”
“The Emperor has no interest in my marriage, and the Empress has no right to intervene.”
Alejandro let out a small laugh. His previously cold gaze now created a different atmosphere.
“After that, who could possibly speak against my marriage?”
“Wh-what can Your Royal Highness gain from this marriage?”
Alejandro narrowed his eyes.
“Looking at it, the young lady thinks too much. That shouldn’t be something for you to worry about.”
“…….”
“It’s most helpful to me that Prince Adrian continues to be so weak. So, I must protect you. Our engagement will help me in that regard.”
“And?”
“Well, because I want to?”
No, why does he keep making such confusing statements? Yet, the way Alejandro looks at me doesn’t seem like someone in love at all. He’s really a strange person.
“And don’t you like me?”
“Th-that….”
“Then instead of rejecting, you should accept it right away. Why do you keep hesitating? It’s making me anxious.”
Sob, why do you keep acting so sly?
“…I will do my best. So that Your Royal Highness can gain the greatest benefit.”
“I trust you.”
“Let’s get engaged, us.”
Alejandro smiled brightly. It was the prettiest smile I had ever seen. He lowered his head toward me.
My heart sank at the warmth that briefly touched my cheek.
“Y-your Royal Highness!”
“Lehan.”
Alejandro whispered in a low voice in my ear. The hand I had resting on his chest trembled slightly. It felt as if the air was becoming humid and heavy.
Alejandro spoke softly again.
“Call me Lehan, Evelina.”
Is my name really that sexy?
“Quickly.”
At his urging voice, I opened my mouth as if under a spell.
“…Le, Lehan….”
My voice was filled with moisture. I felt like I was about to cry from the intense heat.
“Well done.”
How could calling a name be so hard… I trembled involuntarily.
“From now on, that’s how you’ll call me.”
I nodded eagerly. However, Alejandro didn’t let me go. Instead, our bodies pressed together. The hand wrapped around my waist was hot.
I’m going crazy.
I squeezed my eyes shut without realizing it. Feeling Alejandro’s lips press against my cheek, I cried out with all my heart. Oh God, please help me keep my sanity!!
Kiki10002
AHHHHHHHHH…😆😆😆