Chapter 61

Macphin’s face showed a brief moment of confusion, but she quickly regained her composure and spoke again, “I suppose Lady Raylenne just doesn’t understand the situation properly.”

She subtly belittled Raylenne, attempting to undermine her. “While having high standards isn’t wrong, bothering Crown Prince Harbian, who is busy with national affairs, certainly is. Don’t you all agree?”

Raylenne had an inkling of how the story between Harbian and Lavita had been distorted. 

‘It seems like when rumors spread about them, Harbian’s side made Lavita look bad. Even though they mutually agreed to spend the night together, it’s infuriating how he turned on her. The more I learn about Crown Prince Harbian, the more I dislike him, but the true disdain I feel is for Duke Ergen for trying to pair me with such a person.’

Raylenne clenched her teeth slightly but maintained a composed and serene smile outwardly. 

“Macphin, you must be very close to Lavita to know so much about her personal affairs.”

The smile vanished from Macphin’s face. “You don’t need to be close to know. Lavita followed the Crown Prince around like a stalker, and the entire palace knows about it.”

Despite knowing Harbian’s true nature, the palace covered it up, protecting him. The negative rumors about Lavita were likely a preemptive strike.

Raylenne felt pity for Lavita and spoke up. “Isn’t it just a rumor? It’s not right to insult Lady Lavita based on unconfirmed stories.”

“If it wasn’t true, Lavita would have denied it. But she’s never denied the rumors.”

Raylenne turned to Lavita, who looked as if she was about to faint. 

“Lavita, is it true that you persistently followed the Crown Prince?”

“I… I never…”

Lavita’s lips quivered as she spoke like a withered flower. Knowing the rumors were false, Raylenne understood Lavita’s struggle to respond. This public clarification would ultimately benefit Lavita. 

Lavita finally managed to say, “I never bothered the Crown Prince.”

Macphin’s eyes widened in disbelief and anger. Unable to accept Lavita’s denial, she approached Lavita, bristling with anger.

“What do you mean, now?”

“…”

“Why have you never denied it until now?”

Raylenne stepped between them, stopping Macphin. “That’s enough, Macphin. Lavita has made it clear that the rumors aren’t true. It’s only right to listen to the person involved, not third-party gossip.”

Raylenne glanced around at the other ladies, who seemed unsure of how to react in the rapidly changing situation. They needed to be reminded of who to trust in this gathering.

“I heard that parties hosted by Countess Shablin are full of elegance and dignity.”

“…”

“That’s why my father, despite his worries, allowed me to attend. But I’m a bit disappointed to see such commotion over mere rumors…”

Mentioning Duke Ergen had the desired effect, as the other ladies visibly flinched.

“That’s not usually the case, Lady Raylenne. We usually discuss more significant topics, like the empire’s current affairs.”

“Yes, we also share our thoughts on the books we’ve read!”

“Today, Macphin was just… a bit excessive. You’re right, rumors are just rumors.”

Raylenne smiled gently. “I’m glad to hear that. It’s reassuring to know this party is as refined as I thought.”

Though invoking Duke Ergen wasn’t pleasant for Raylenne, it had solidified her position. She lightly patted Macphin’s shoulder, who stood with a look of frustration.

“Macphin, why don’t you sit down? It would be best not to ruin the atmosphere further.”

Macphin, unable to conceal her contempt, glared at Raylenne briefly before returning to her seat.

‘Why does she hate me so much?’ Raylenne wondered, watching Macphin sit down with a stony expression.

Pushing that thought aside, she remembered her initial goal: to connect with Lavita.

Just then, Lavita stood up. “I need to use the restroom…” she said softly, clutching her dress as she walked inside.

Raylenne took the opportunity and stood up as well. “I’ll be right back too.”

“Yes, of course,” the ladies responded warmly, now eager to please Raylenne.

Hurrying after Lavita, Raylenne saw her enter the restroom. Deciding to wait, Raylenne listened to the ticking of a clock in the quiet hallway. Time passed, and Lavita hadn’t emerged. Concerned, Raylenne pressed her ear to the door and heard faint retching sounds.

‘Is she throwing up?’

Knocking gently, Raylenne asked, “Do you need help?”

“…”

No answer. More retching followed. Worried, Raylenne turned the knob and found the door unlocked. Inside, Lavita sat on the floor, wiping her mouth. Raylenne approached her.

“Lavita, are you okay?”

Lavita’s eyes, heavy and empty, met Raylenne’s. “Lady Raylenne…?”

“You didn’t eat anything. What did you throw up?”

Watching Lavita, Raylenne knew she hadn’t touched anything but tea. The retching was likely just dry heaves.

“Are you dizzy?”

Lavita weakly shook her head. “No…”

“Did something upset your stomach?”

“No. I just… felt overwhelmed sitting there and wanted to escape… so I guess I felt like throwing up.”

Sweat stuck her hair to her forehead, showing she wasn’t lying.

“Was I wrong to intervene earlier?” Raylenne asked, feeling a bit guilty.

“No! You did nothing wrong. It’s just that I’m weak.”

Lavita forced a thin smile. “Even though the rumors are ridiculous, I couldn’t deny them. I just listened like a fool…”

“If you think you’re a fool, you’ll become one. Don’t think like that.”

Lavita blinked at Raylenne, “You’re very kind, Lady Raylenne.”

“I’m not kind to everyone.”

Initially approaching Lavita with a purpose, Raylenne now felt genuine sympathy for her. Lavita seemed so fragile, like she could be blown away by the slightest breeze.

Raylenne decided to act, despite the rush. “Lavita, may I invite you to the duke’s residence?”

Lavita looked taken aback. “What?”

“I know it’s sudden, but I don’t know many people, being confined to the residence. I’m trying to make friends now.”

Lavita, overwhelmed, hesitated. “Can I think about it?”

“Of course.”

Lavita, seeing Raylenne’s sincere response, nodded slightly.

* * *

Raylenne advised Lavita to straighten her clothes before coming out and left the restroom first. As she walked down the hallway, she realized something she hadn’t noticed when she hurriedly entered the mansion: the interior was exceptionally luxurious. The paintings and decorations, even to her untrained eye, looked incredibly expensive.

While leisurely making her way out, Raylenne was halted by a conversation coming from the dining room. 

“Did you make a mistake with Lady Raylenne?” The voice belonged to Countess Shablin Hamilton.

Raylenne stopped and tilted her head slightly. ‘Are they talking about me?’

There was no reply from the countess’s conversation partner, but Raylenne could guess who it was.

‘It must be Macphin.’

Countess Shablin’s voice grew louder. “I told you not to show your dislike, Macphin!”

“What does it matter? Inviting Lady Raylenne was your mistake, Mother.”

As expected, it was Macphin.

Raylenne leaned in a bit closer. It seemed like Macphin was about to reveal why she disliked her.

“She’s the only princess of the empire. I’ve told you repeatedly not to let personal feelings interfere!”

But the countess’s words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Macphin responded in an even more agitated tone.

“So what if she’s a princess? People from the House of Ergen aren’t even human! How can they keep Aiden as a prisoner when he’s done nothing wrong?”

At the sudden mention of Aiden, Raylenne almost coughed in surprise.

“Macphin, how long are you going to hold onto your feelings for Aiden? He’s practically been disowned by his family.”

“…”

“He’s been abandoned by his family!”

Macphin fell silent again, and soon, a faint sound of sobbing could be heard. The soft patting sounds and the countess’s sorrowful voice followed.

“Macphin, you need to let go of this unrequited love. It’s only hurting you.”