Arc-3 Ch-06

“Is the matter settled?”

“Yes. We managed to persuade her, somehow. She’s agreed to disclose everything she knows.”

“There was no alternative. Ordinarily, she would have faced execution. But in exchange for information, her sentence was commuted by one degree.”

“Considering her father, Earl Offrey, and her elder brother—the family’s heir—have already been executed, this leniency accounts for her post-punishment circumstances. Any further mercy might be seen as undermining the law.”

“…Understood. I’m grateful for Your Highness’s consideration.”

In a private chamber within the royal palace, three men sat closely, deliberating a woman’s fate.

One had once stood first in line for the throne. Another had been the heir to a distinguished court noble house. The third, the successor to a frontier earl.

Each had once been hailed as a future leader, destined to guide the kingdom with brilliance.

But that radiant future no longer existed.

Their individual accomplishments remained remarkable, even unparalleled—but achievements alone could not redeem past sins.

To believe that status or success could excuse wrongdoing was the seed of tyranny. It bred terror, crushed the innocent, and corroded the very foundation of the kingdom. That was precisely why laws were established: to restrain both rulers and heroes alike.

Those who disrespected the law forfeited its protection.

If the powerful were allowed to act with impunity, it would only ensure the continuation of violence, with the weak crushed beneath ever-greater strength.

“Thank you for coming all the way from the frontier,” one said. “She refused to speak until now. We couldn’t risk relying on forced confessions—torture breeds lies. A single false lead might have driven them underground, and who knows what kind of damage they’d inflict from the shadows.”

“I still can’t believe Stephanie was so deeply entangled with the organization.”

“His Majesty and Her Highness the Queen Consort are aware. For now, even the slightest fragment of intelligence is valuable. If the kingdom’s survival hangs in the balance, they would not hesitate to sacrifice the life of one girl.”

“…Whether that’s a mercy or a cruelty, I’m not sure.”

Perhaps it would have been kinder if she had perished alongside her father and brother.

Now stripped of her noble rank, orphaned, and isolated, Stephanie was left with no one to rely on. Starving, desperate, and embittered, it was no surprise she had lost her way.

The Offrey family—once merchants who purchased their titles—had long been scorned by the aristocracy as vulgar upstarts. The disdain of noble society had likely warped her spirit.

Yet could her descent be blamed entirely on her upbringing and environment?

If the ruling class of the Holfort Kingdom, saturated with privilege and rot, continued to produce such tragedies—could they still claim to be “noble” at all?

No matter how they pondered it, no answers came.

Stephanie’s future was grim. Whether condemned to rot in a sunless cell or banished to obscurity in some remote land, she would live without rights or dignity.

Whether she would one day regret betraying her former fiancé by divulging the organization’s secrets—no one could say.

“I should have faced her sooner.”

“I feel the same,” said Brad, his voice faint and trembling. “I finally managed to apologize to the Atley family. As expected, they rebuked me harshly: ‘What’s the point now?’ they said.”

Jilk placed a comforting hand on Brad’s shoulder.

But no amount of regret could change the past.

The path of repentance begins with bearing the burden of guilt, seeking forgiveness from those one has harmed, and accepting the uncertainty of whether that forgiveness will ever come.

That was their punishment.

For him. And for her.

“The Field family had long suspected the Offreys of illicit dealings. But lacking proof, we chose silence and maintained the engagement for the sake of frontier stability and financial gain. Even after Stephanie and I were betrothed, our contempt for her family remained.”

“And you think that’s what led her astray? That sounds a bit self-centered, Brad. You must’ve known the Offreys saw you as a means to secure the Field name’s prestige and military clout.”

“Marriages among the nobility are, at their core, transactions. That’s exactly why we became so disillusioned—why we gravitated toward Olivia, a kind and untainted commoner. It’s a flimsy excuse now, though.”

A heavy silence fell between them.

A weight of guilt and dread settled over the room, impossible to lift.

They had believed themselves righteous.

They had acted under the assumption that their status and intentions justified everything.

They had never truly considered how many hearts they had wounded, how many lives they had shaken.

Now, even apologies seemed hollow—mere gestures that could never restore what was lost.

“Stephanie’s hatred toward Olivia came from deep insecurity,” Brad said quietly. “Olivia, a commoner, surpassed her in grace, virtue, and affection. Surrounded by veiled scorn, Stephanie must have been unbearably lonely. If only someone—anyone—had truly seen her, acknowledged her, perhaps she wouldn’t have fallen so far. And I… I was the man closest to her, outside of her family. Yet I, too, looked down on her through the same lens of disdain others used on the Offreys.”

“We’re no different,” Jilk said bitterly. “We convinced ourselves we were above it all—that we could never become like them. We assumed we’d graduate, inherit our titles, and marry our betrothed like it was written in stone. That’s why we treated our time at the academy as a carefree playground, thinking any misstep would be forgiven. But we were just a pack of spoiled nobles flaunting privilege. Now, looking back, it’s the students from the regular classes—the ones we ignored—who showed real integrity.”

The ideal noble is one who governs with justice, shields the people from foreign threats, and stands as a model of virtue.

Who would admire those who oppress others and flaunt their lineage or ancestral accomplishments with arrogance?

Those who deride discourteous nobles while defending the kind-hearted Olivia—believing this alone makes them virtuous—are, in truth, no different from the very aristocrats they resent, who trample upon the commoners.

And within the shadows of the Holfort Kingdom—just as peace has finally returned—those twisted in values continue to sow discord.

“Behind Stephanie stands a criminal syndicate of noblewomen, widely known as the ‘Ladies’ Forest.’ There are also fugitive nobles from the war with the Fanoss Duchy, traitors who colluded with the enemy, soldiers discharged for insubordination, and remnants of the disgraced Frampton Marquis faction, and—”

“Enough. It’s essentially a coalition of those discontent with the Holfort Kingdom, isn’t it?”

From the outbreak of war to the ceasefire and the eventual fall of the Fanoss Duchy, nearly five years had passed.

The toll—measured in lives, resources, and national funds—was immense.

To restore the kingdom to its pre-war state would require twice the manpower, money, and talent lost—and the kingdom is sorely lacking in all three.

Worsening matters are the deteriorating relations between the Holfort Royal Family and the Redgrave Ducal House, the deepening corruption among the nobility, and the persistent influence of criminal remnants. The nation teeters on the brink.

“I read your report. The borderlands have grown increasingly unstable.”

“As a knight sworn to defend the realm, I’ve done all I can. Still, unrest persists in the frontier, with constant skirmishes fueled by malcontents.”

“It’s not just the borderlands in turmoil. According to Chris, discharged mercenaries have taken to piracy. And based on Greg’s report, dungeon raids—targeting sites under royal and noble ownership—are on the rise. We don’t have enough manpower to clamp down on them all.

The information alone was enough to induce a headache.

Though these young men had helped bring the war to an end and possessed a gift for governance, they were, in the end, only capable youths—lacking the wisdom, might, and resources needed to restore a broken nation.

“…How is Olivia faring these days?”

Brad’s question broke the silence—his voice tinged with something more than mere curiosity. He hadn’t seen Olivia, the saintess who had saved the kingdom, since the victory celebrations following the war’s end.

The temple, seeking to use her as a figurehead, now tightly restricts her movements, burdening her with duties to increase her public standing.

A disgraced knight, stripped of rank and honor, would not be permitted an audience with the saintess—the temple’s prized symbol.

“She’s well. Tirelessly traveling, visiting war-torn regions, offering comfort to the wounded, and sending us intelligence when she can.”

“When she inspected the Alzer Republic, the documents she brought back hinted at both paths to reconstruction and covert machinations. But we currently lack the power to act on any of it.”

“Why not bring it to Her Highness Mylene?”

“Mother recognizes Olivia’s competence, but not her as a person. She fears that any proposal credited to Olivia, who is now affiliated with the temple, will diminish the royal family’s authority.”

The temple was originally created to legitimize the Holfort Royal Family’s rule and unify the people under a shared faith.

But over time, it fell into decadence—amassing wealth, authority, and even a private army, all under the guise of protecting the faith. This trend only worsened after Olivia’s heroism in the war.

They’ve begun conducting large-scale funerals without royal approval and recruiting young men drawn to Olivia’s charisma to replenish their numbers.

If only it were so simple to brand these meddling clerics as heretics.

But it was these five very men who first elevated Olivia to the rank of saintess.

Now, they are burdened with the truth: their impulsive actions have weakened the monarchy and empowered the temple’s reach.

“Even if she offers a brilliant proposal, Mother will reject it outright if she learns Olivia is involved. If it’s adopted, the temple will claim the credit, eroding the royal family's prestige and risking the people’s loyalty.”

“But the kingdom is in crisis. We can’t afford to do nothing.”

“Even if her plan is approved, it’s the nobles who must carry it out. And Olivia, once a commoner with ties to the disgraced Frampton faction, holds little sway among them. Both the royalist and ducal factions eye her with deep suspicion.”

“It was we who raised her to sainthood. If that act leads to the downfall of the kingdom, then the responsibility is ours to bear.”

Yet, no clear path forward reveals itself.

They are now no more than heirs cast aside by their noble families—powerless, penniless, and unable to resolve the crisis as individuals.

Knock, knock. Knock, knock.

“Enter.”

A palace servant stepped in, bowed low, and whispered something to their lord.

Julius’s expression contorted as if he had just swallowed something bitter.

“…Understood. You may go.”

The servant bowed once more and left.

Julius turned to the two others present—his grim expression signaling that something troubling had occurred.

“Sorry—something urgent came up. It hasn’t been that long, but I was hoping we could have a proper, long conversation. Unfortunately, it seems that won’t be happening. I need to leave immediately.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“No can do. I might end up airing some family laundry best kept hidden.”

“They say family is humanity’s first form of politics.”

“Oh? Go on.”

Lately, I’ve barely had a moment to reconnect with friends.

Right now, we’re sorely lacking in people we can truly trust.

I straighten my clothes, swallowing the shame gnawing at my gut, and make my way toward the hangar.

Waiting there is a small airship—compact, but capable of flying with just a handful of crew.

“Worst case scenario, I disappoint Mother again.”

A grim thought to accompany what should be a significant occasion—my first trip beyond the palace walls since the war’s end.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

“…Your Highness Julius.”

“…Angelica, is that you?”

Angelica’s startled voice cuts through the tension like a knife.

As I suspected, I had seen this man before. Still, I never imagined we’d run into His Highness Julius of all people.

At that realization, a headache flares to life—because I know I’ve just been dragged into something messy.

Why is it that the worst things always happen at the worst possible time?

Even during the war, the most troublesome problems would show up precisely when I least wanted them to. My life has always been one long stretch of bad timing.

I can’t very well glare at a prince of the realm, so I force my face into something resembling civility, though my muscles twitch with the effort.

Meanwhile, His Highness Julius stands frozen, clearly caught off guard by our presence.

Even his surprised expression looks good. Typical.

Compared to me—with my plain face and a scar that draws unwanted stares—it’s night and day.

God really doesn’t know the meaning of fairness.

Those born with everything keep getting more, while those with nothing are expected to survive with the bare minimum.

Handsome, powerful, intelligent, and royalty? Life has clearly favored him.

Couldn’t I have gotten something, at least?

Angie, standing beside me, is visibly tense. Julius still hasn’t moved or spoken.

This situation is beyond awkward.

A handsome prince, a beautiful duke’s daughter—former fiancés no less—and then there’s me: the scarred, low-born noble. I’m the obvious outlier here. The villain in everyone’s story.

It wouldn’t be surprising if they reconciled right here and now, and Angie left me—taking the children and everything with her. I’d be left to rot alone in my lonely little estate while the noble ladies spun this into their favorite scandal of the season.

Honestly? I could cry.

But someone has to break this suffocating silence, and it’s clear it won’t be Angie.

If I were the kind of man who backed down here, I wouldn’t deserve to be called her husband.

Always drawing the short end of the stick. Damn you, God.

“It’s been a while, Your Highness Julius. Since the victory party, wasn’t it? So—what brings you to Roseblade territory today?”

No titles, no polite tone, no pretense.

I step between them, intentionally disrespectful in both words and posture.

If anything happens to the pregnant Angie, things could spiral quickly—so I subtly shift, ready to shield her at a moment’s notice.

“…It’s been a while, Bartfort. And you? What brings you to Roseblade territory?”

Julius finally responds, dodging my question by returning it.

Figures. He’s not going to offer up answers so easily.

And honestly, no matter how I reply, it’ll probably come back to bite me. But if Angie’s in no position to speak, then I have to be the one to act.

More than anything right now, I just want to go home.

Back to the Roseblade estate, pack up the entire family, and disappear into the quiet of Bartfort territory—far away from this mess.

“I’m here as a chaperone for an arranged marriage meeting. At the moment, Lady Roseblade and my older brother are engaged in it.”

“Then why aren’t you with them? What reason do you have to be wandering the streets?”

He’s right.

No matter how you look at it, being a chaperone but not present at the meeting is highly suspicious.

There’s no justifiable reason to abandon my brother and stroll around town.

So… what now?

Lying would only make things worse. It’s probably best to just tell the truth.

Besides, we didn’t come out here on a whim—we were summoned by someone waiting ahead.

Wait a second. If we were called here, then we haven’t actually done anything wrong, have we?

If there’s a problem, it should be taken up with the person who summoned us. I’m not taking the blame for this.

“Your Highness Julius, shall we speak frankly?”

“By all means.”

“The marriage meeting is legitimate—but we had another purpose for coming here. So allow me to ask in return: was it merely a coincidence that you’re here, Your Highness?”

“A coincidence, you say? I suppose so. I wasn’t informed of the destination. I ended up here simply by following instructions.”

Judging by his earlier reaction, it seems he truly didn’t expect to find us here.

If he had intended to interfere, he would’ve stopped us before we even arrived.

“You have no intention of harming us, do you?”

“None at all. I’d swear to God if that would reassure you.”

Part of me wants to believe him.

But given the strained relationship between Angie and His Highness Julius, I can’t bring myself to trust him entirely.

I’m unarmed at the moment, but from what I can tell, His Highness Julius doesn’t appear to be carrying any weapons at his side or concealed under his coat either.

I’m unsure how skilled he is in hand-to-hand combat, but if necessary, I could likely catch him off guard long enough to get Angie to safety.

“Understood. We’re here to meet someone at the inn just ahead. I assume you have business with that person as well, Your Highness?”

“I do.”

“Then what happens from here is between you and them. It’s no concern of ours.”

It really does seem like His Highness Julius wasn’t expecting our arrival.

That concludes our conversation.

Besides, even if we did choose to cooperate, it wouldn’t change the curre

nt state of affairs in the Holfort Kingdom.

More importantly, we were the ones summoned. No one told us Julius would be here.

In other words, Angie and I aren’t at fault. Not even a little.

“Angie, are you alright?”

She’s still frozen in place.

But her complexion has improved, and the trembling has stopped.

I gently stroke her cheek. Her skin is smooth, and there’s a subtle firmness beneath my touch—it feels nice.

I’m a little tempted to forget the meeting altogether and take her on a date instead.

After all, it was their mistake that Julius showed up—not mine.

“I’m fine, Leon. Really, I’m okay.”

“You’re sure? If it’s too much, we can go back. A scolding’s not the end of the world.”

“It would be rude to leave them waiting. Besides… backing down now just doesn’t sit right with me.”

I don’t mind that Angie is strong-willed, but I worry she’s pushing herself too hard.

Her worst habit is how stubbornly defiant she becomes when cornered.

Well, it can’t be helped. Looks like I’ll have to step up.

Having a strong-willed wife means a lifetime of struggles for the husband.

After we finished checking in at the reception, a burly man approached.

He moved like a soldier—clearly a seasoned guard.

Judging by his startled reaction to seeing His Highness Julius with us, he likely works at the palace and recognizes the prince’s face.

Though hesitant, he leads us to our room.

His Highness Julius and Angie remain silent. The atmosphere is suffocating.

A prince, a duke’s daughter, and a countryside upstart like me—it’s obvious who doesn’t belong here.

Someone witty could probably ease the tension and earn some favors, but I lack both the finesse and the nerve.

So for now, I position myself between Angie and His Highness Julius, just in case anything unexpected happens.

I don’t believe he intends to harm us, but better safe than sorry.

Meanwhile, the two of them keep sneaking glances at each other over my shoulder.

It doesn’t feel like they’re reminiscing—more like they’re unsure how to proceed.

If this moment sparks reconciliation and Angie decides to remarry His Highness Julius, I’d be finished.

Truly. I’d be the one left behind.

If she said she'd be happier marrying into royalty in the capital rather than enduring life in the countryside with me... I couldn’t even argue. She might be right.

I need Angie. But if someone asked whether Angie needs me, I wouldn’t know how to answer.

It’d honestly be easier if they just started arguing.

That way, I could protect her openly, without holding back.

I know Angie and His Highness Julius broke off their engagement, but that alone doesn’t give me the right to hate him.

Unlike Zola and her kind, he’s never directly harmed me or my family.

If he’d insulted Angie to my face, like that green-haired man did, I’d be furious too.

But from what I’ve seen, His Highness Julius is just another highborn noble.

Maybe a little arrogant from birth and status, but still within reason. Besides, if Olivia-sama and her allies hadn’t stepped in during the war, I wouldn’t be standing here.

I even spoke to Olivia-sama—the woman responsible for breaking off Angie’s engagement—and she turned out to be graceful and kind.

I’m not the type to blindly hate someone just because they were once at odds with Angie. I care more about who they are now.

If I, someone who wasn’t even there when it all fell apart, started resenting His Highness Julius based purely on hearsay, I wouldn’t be squirming in this unbearable silence now.

People hating others they don’t truly know—that’s what fuels conflict.

I fought against the Principality on the battlefield, but that doesn’t mean I want to slaughter every last one of them.

My family is what matters most. I’d risk my life to protect them. I’d even fight dirty if I had to. But I’d rather not take innocent lives—especially not women and children—just because they happen to be on the other side.

I love Angie and our children. But I’m also a coward, reluctant to ruin someone else’s life for their sake.

I imagine most women would prefer a man who could act without hesitation.

Honestly, I’m not much to brag about.

If Angie ever gave up on me, I doubt anyone else would want to marry someone like me.

I endure the crushing silence as we’re led to the room.

The walk feels endless, every step draining what little nerve I have left.

The guard who guided us speaks with a colleague at the door.

They keep glancing at His Highness Julius, clearly thrown off by this situation.

“Please, go ahead.”

Angie and I receive a light pat-down, but His Highness Julius is waved through without a check.

He’s ushered in first—looks like he’ll be part of this meeting too.

If things go downhill from here, don’t blame me.

For some reason, I can’t stop thinking about the Roseblade estate and that marriage meeting my family’s dealing with.

Things are tense here, but it doesn’t feel like it’s going to be any smoother over there.

Why does trouble always follow us?

I let out a deep sigh, trying to steel myself, and a large puff of air escapes.

I want to hold Angie’s hand—but I can’t, not with someone of higher status watching.

Climbing the social ladder really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

The room we were ushered into exuded luxury.

Compared to the Bartfort territory in the countryside, even the guest suites for high-ranking visitors at our own lodging seem like stables next to Angie’s family estate.

Once the escorting guard bowed and departed in haste, only four of us remained: myself, Angie, His Highness Julius, and the woman who had summoned us.

I bowed respectfully to the lady seated with elegant poise and addressed her.

“It is a great honor to be granted this audience. I, Viscount Leon Fou Bartfort, have come in answer to the summons of Her Highness Mylene Rapha Holfort.”

“Viscountess Angelica Fou Bartfort is also present. We are deeply grateful for Your Highness’s generosity in allowing us this opportunity to meet.”

“No need for such formality. Raise your heads.”

““Yes.””

With formalities complete, the real conversation was about to begin.

Having His Highness Julius present must have come as a surprise even to Her Highness Mylene. One wrong move could easily earn her displeasure, so I raised my head cautiously, trying to assess the situation.

I had seen Her Highness Mylene from afar at various events in the capital, but up close, she appeared strikingly youthful. Though nearing forty, she could easily be mistaken for Prince Julius’s older sister, albeit with a noticeable age gap.

Unbidden, the image of my mother’s plump frame drifted into my thoughts. Perhaps beauty like this comes down to one’s environment—and diet?

“Let’s put aside the stiff greetings. Relax, Lord Bartfort, Angie.”

“Yes.”

“Understood.”

“It’s been a while, Angie. Have you been well?”

“You look as splendid as ever, Mylene-sama.”

“Nothing has changed on my end. And this must be Angie’s fine husband?”

“Once again, I am Leon Fou Bartfort, Your Highness.”

“I’ve heard quite a bit about you, Lord Bartfort.”

The tension in the room eased slightly.

Despite her royal bearing—platinum blonde hair and piercing blue eyes lending her an aura of untouchable beauty—Her Highness came across as surprisingly approachable. Which somehow made me even more nervous.

As that thought crossed my mind, something nudged my side.

I glanced over to see Angie elbowing me repeatedly.

Come on, what am I supposed to do?

This is the kingdom’s most powerful woman. One misstep and I could lose my head.

“Well then, let’s continue our previous conversation over some tea.”

“Your Highness.”

“This inn is famous for its sweets—they’re so well-loved that the royal family places special orders. I’m rather fond of them myself.”

“…Your Highness.”

“They’re too much for one person, but perfect for three.”

“Mother!!”

Scratch that. The Queen was completely ignoring her son.

She didn’t so much as glance in his direction, choosing instead to carry on chatting with us.

Terrifying. This queen is terrifying.

“Oh, Julius, when did you arrive? Honestly, shirking your duties again?”

“I’ve been here the whole time. Could you stop pretending I’m invisible?”

“I’m here on business in the Roseblade territory. I summoned Lord Bartfort and Angie. What exactly are you doing here?”

“I’m here on official duties as well. This isn’t some idle visit.”

“And what sort of duties would those be?”

“…I’m not at liberty to say.”

“You can’t even tell your own mother?”

“…I cannot.”

“Then as Queen of the Holfort Kingdom, I command you—state your purpose at once, Prince Julius.”

“I’ve already said I can’t. And I won’t.”

As Julius stubbornly refused to explain, Her Highness Mylene locked eyes with him, her gaze like ice.

Compared to these two, my interactions with my sisters felt like innocent squabbles between puppies.

After staring at him in silence for several long seconds, she finally sighed in exasperation.

“His Majesty, then? Only he would try something like this.”

“…Forgive me. It was a direct order from His Majesty to keep the matter confidential.”

“Oh, my. What’s his angle? Suspecting me of misconduct, perhaps?”

“I didn’t mean to tail you. I was simply concerned. You occasionally vanish from the palace—I needed to know your whereabouts in case of an emergency.”

“After gallivanting around with young girls, now questioning my fidelity? Perhaps he should reflect on his own behavior first.”

“And what business do you have here in Roseblade, Mother?”

“Oh, let’s see… Maybe the dashing Lord Bartfort swept me off my feet, and I decided to indulge in a little romance. A playful tryst with all three of us—even Angie—doesn’t sound so bad, does it?”

Every gaze in the room turned to me.

Please stop, Your Highness. That’s not a joke anyone should be making.

Angie, please don’t glare at me like that—I swear I have no interest in married women.

And Prince Julius, please don’t kill me. I would never lay a hand on the queen.

“…Your Highness Mylene, I beg you, spare me the jests. If anyone took that seriously, it would be a disaster.”

“You’re right. My apologies. Relax, Angie—I have no plans to steal your husband.”

“That joke was in poor taste, Mylene-sama.”

“I only teased because you two seem so happily married. Consider it harmless envy—things with His Majesty aren’t going well.”

“A bit of emotional release?”

“Perhaps.”

It felt like a storm was brewing between the women—one that left the men on the sidelines.

If I let the conversation drift any further, I might become collateral damage. Time to intervene.

“This was meant to be a discussion between Your Highness Mylene and my wife. I’m merely here as an escort, so please, don’t mind me.”

“…Very well. I trust you. I don’t think my judgment has slipped so far as to suspect an affair between you and my mother.”

“Thank you.”

Prince Julius must have his own burdens to bear.

If we could speak openly, I doubt we’d become friends, but perhaps we could understand one another.

“So, what did you plan to discuss with Angelica, Mother?”

Naturally, a private meeting between his mother and his former fiancée would pique anyone’s curiosity—especially if politics were involved.

I may be a political novice, but if Angie were dragged into the depths of hell, I’d follow her. That said, I doubt Prince Julius—whose position in the succession has diminished—could truly influence anything.

“And what do you intend to do with that knowledge?”

“If possible, I’d like to be part of the discussion.”

“You may join, but are you prepared for the consequences? You may come to despair over your own powerlessness.”

“…I don’t know. But I believe that choosing ignorance is unacceptable. I may lack both wisdom and skill, but as a member of the royal family, I have to ask—is there something I can do?”

“It’s easy to say such things. But know this—once you hear the truth, there is no turning back. This is not a warning from the Queen, but from your mother.”

“I have no reputation left to protect. If I remain idle while the kingdom faces crisis, I would be unworthy of the royal name.”

“…Why are you growing a spine now of all times?”

Resigned, Her Highness Mylene leaned back in her chair and looked up at the ceiling.

“…Very well. You may join. But if you speak out of turn, I’ll have you thrown out immediately. Keep that in mind.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

And so the discussion now included four participants.

The Queen. The Prince. A duke’s daughter. And a low-ranking upstart.

No matter how I looked at it, I was the odd one out.

Why am I even in this room?

I honestly doubt I can contribute much.

Is it because I married a duke’s daughter?

Feels like my family’s been taken hostage—I couldn’t leave even if I wanted to.

Well then. For Angie’s sake… for my family’s sake… I’ll do what I must.

God really has a twisted sense of humor.

I just want to go home and curl up in a warm bed.

Leon Fou Bartfort—now entering the political stage of the Holfort Kingdom.

I braced myself for a new kind of battle—one that doesn’t draw blood, but wounds all the same.

┳⁠━━━━⁠━⁠⁠━⁠━⁠━━━⁠┳

Authors Note

┻━⁠━━━━⁠━━⁠━━━⁠┻

Regarding Stephanie, I expanded her relationship with Brad slightly beyond what’s depicted in the main storyline or Marie’s route.

It’s hard to say whether a life sentence is more merciful than execution.

In the original story, Leon sympathized with Angie after her engagement was broken in public, and he was furious at the five fools parading around in the name of justice.

But here, Leon meets a more reformed version of those five—men who have grown somewhat upright under Saintess Olivia’s influence.

It’s not easy to harbor hatred for someone who once wronged a loved one, yet has sincerely changed.

Whether continued punishment becomes excessive for a reformed person is a delicate issue.

It’ll take some time before the lingering tensions between Leon, Angie, and Julius fully resolve.

Addendum:

At the client’s request, illustrations were created by mayoni-sama, 

chizo-sama, and tobio-sama. Please check them out:

mayoni-sama: Pixiv

chizo-sama: Skeb

tobio-sama: Pixiv (Note: Contains voice actor references)

Your thoughts and feedback are always welcome and greatly appreciated!