I almost said something bad.
I looked back with a fake smile on my face.
“Good day, Your Highness Duke Franz.”
Franz was staring at me with a cold stare.
The servants came forward and bowed to him greeting him.
“Your Highness, the carriage is ready, it’s time to leave.”
“Take the princess first. I will join you soon.”
The servants headed towards Eliade, who was surrounded by nobles.
She attracted attention like the queen of social gatherings.
She decorates herself with more cheerful speech and loud laughter, as if she does not remember anything about the defeat of the Spirn family.
What is this? I see everything, Eliade.
You are boiling with anger and about to explode.
I'm not the type of person who enjoys defeating others, so why can't I hold back my laughter?
I was planning to take revenge myself soon for what I did by throwing the fan,
But Carlex beat me to it and retaliated coldly, putting me in a somewhat embarrassing situation, but I feel like I've had a refreshing shot of sparkling water.
“It looks like you'll be leaving first, aren't you going to the party? It looks like it's going to be fun.”
Isn't this the normal situation? The winner enjoys himself at the party while the loser withdraws in horror.
The corner of Franz's mouth rose.
I did not notice the loser's anger or bitterness in his eyes.
“You are very wrong. The outcome has not been decided yet.”
My desire to provoke him vanished in a flash.
It seems the ultimate villain doesn't admit defeat easily.
Being defeated on the battlefield is just a passing incident for him.
How many trump cards does that white fox have?
In my current capacity, I can't figure out what plots he's hatching, which is frustrating.
Even in the original novel, the plots were not covered in detail, and there were not many scenes from Erika's or Franz's point of view.
It was impossible to know the villain's detailed plans.
"Okay. Then, I'll go, Your Highness Duke Franz."
I tried to hurry away, but he grabbed my arm tightly.
“This seems inappropriate.”
I stared at him with a look of disapproval.
Franz's facial expression was also troubled.
He didn't seem to know why he grabbed me.
But his hand, which was holding my arm, did not let go.
“No, it's just...”
He looked like he wanted to explain something, then suddenly he took on a mysterious expression as if he realized something.
“Huh, I see.”
The expression that made him look like a lost boy disappeared, as if he had been swept away by a wave.
Then his original cold and cruel nature gradually replaced that expression.
“I'll give you one last chance. Get in my carriage.”
What is this? Why is he doing this suddenly? Was his defeat on the battlefield such a great shock to him?
“Why should I accompany you, Your Highness?”
We are not in that relationship where we ride together in a carriage and laugh.
Of course, in the original novel, I was really a co-rider in the carriage to the afterlife.
Franz stared at me indifferently and pulled my arm tightly.
I pushed his chest with all my might so he wouldn't force me to go with him.
I didn't move a single step and met his gaze.
“Let me repeat myself. Let go of me.”
Franz's beautiful face slowly began to distort for the first time.
A blood-tinged look sparkled in his violet eyes.
The sight of angelic beauty and demonic spirit coexisting together was a strange terror.
“I don't like you being with those dirty things.”
Franz's hand on my arm grew stronger.
In addition to his intense burning looks.
If this had been Erica from the original novel, of course she would have submitted.
But I'm not her.
Even if I die, I will never hold your hand.
“You see, my shoes are dirty. I dare not ride in the carriage with His Highness the Duke. I am afraid I will dirty the carriage.”
I smiled coldly and clearly showed him the muddy soles of my shoes.
“Brother, what are you doing with that girl now?”
A sharp, soft voice split the distance between him and me.
Eliade, thank you very much for coming now.
They say that sometimes the enemy can be the best ally, and you showed up at just the right time in this difficult situation.
Eliade came forward, feeling uncomfortable even with Franz holding my arm.
She clung to his arm like a child afraid that her brother would be taken away from her.
“Was that girl bothering you, brother?”
Her unreasonable assumptions only made me laugh.
I no longer wanted to stay in the same place with these two impolite brothers.
“Your Highness, it seems that you have finished speaking, I will go now.”
“Wait, Erica.”
Franz is still holding me and doesn't want to release me.
Please.
Why are you so stubborn?
I was even tired of controlling my facial expressions, so I looked at him with an angry face.
Franz looked at Eliade for a moment with a stern expression.
“Formally apologize to Miss Dale for the shameful incident in the library.”
“What? Brother, what are you saying now? Why should I apologize to that girl?”
Eliade screamed in terror, as if she had been engulfed in fire.
Franz stared at her with cold eyes, without moving.
“Did you think I didn't know what happened in the library?”
Eliade's confused face changed and turned pale.
“Brother, this is a misunderstanding. It was just a mistake...”
“As the heir of the Spirn Family, I order you to hurry!”
Eliade was about to burst into tears as if she had been insulted.
She bit her lower lip resentfully.
Her hands holding the fan were also trembling.
I was the one who was confused and surprised.
I never expected this even in my dreams.
Franz forces his sister to apologize. What is happening?
Eliade tilted her head toward me with difficulty.
Her greeting was barely noticeable.
“Ah… I’m sorry, Miss Dale, about what happened the other day. I apologize for my mistake.”
I stared at her silently.
I will get over her insulting me, but she has yet to apologize for the evil deeds she has committed against good noble girls all this time.
“I accept your apology. I hope you will take this situation as an example and sincerely regret the insults you have inflicted on other noble girls.”
Eliade's face changed and turned pale.
She bit her soft lip as if she was crushing it.
“I will take your advice into consideration.”
Eliade raised her head with dignity again.
She was like a queen who was forced to kneel before the enemy, but she did not lose her dignity.
This is funny.
It is rude for the offender to wear such a confident expression.
Eliade turned her back coldly without even looking at Franz.
Franz sighed lightly as he watched his sister go downstairs with the servants first.
“As a member of the Spurn family, I apologize for my sister’s reckless actions. I will make sure that such a thing does not happen again in the future.”
“Wait, are you the real Duke Franz?”
This situation surprised me so much that my reality unintentionally jumped out at me.
Franz's expression was full of disapproval at my unexpected question.
“What do you mean?”
“Forcing others to apologize for their mistakes seems contrary to your usual character.”
“It seems that you have a very negative opinion of me.”
Franz laughed lightly.
Was he really the person who was radiating evil moments ago?
“Is your wound healed now?”
His gaze stayed on my cheek for a long time.
I felt itching so I immediately covered my cheek with my hand.
“None of your business, Your Highness.”
I replied in a sarcastic tone, but Franz smiled slightly and finally released my arm.
I massaged my arm with a look of exasperation and stared at him blankly.
“Aren’t you going to apologize for grabbing a lady’s arm so rudely?”
Franz looked at his palm, then grasped his empty palm.
The corner of his mouth rose, holding a cruelty within it.
“I caught the prey and then released it temporarily. Is there a hunter who apologizes to his prey?”
I was angry at Franz's sarcastic behavior.
I stared at him, clenching my hands tightly.
“Listen, your speech is harsh. Who is the prey?”
A cold, slight smile rose on Franz's lips.
His eyes sparkled with a mysterious gleam.
"I hope you enjoy the party. Don't stay away from the Duke tonight."
Franz's voice was cold.
But still, why does it sound like a warning and not a worry?
I was drugged, I couldn't move until Franz disappeared.
Regarding the Duke, does he mean Carlex?
You hate Carlex, so why are you asking me to stay by his side?
With what intention did he say this? My head was trapped in a thick fog of frustration.
“Erica, what are you doing here?”
Someone grabbed my hand.
Freesia was approaching with a smiling face.
I smiled as if nothing had happened.
"Nothing. Are you going to the party too, Freesia?"
“Ah, I…”
Freesia had a slightly embarrassed expression on her face.
At that moment, her maid hurriedly approached and whispered something to her in a low voice.
Her face hardened like a cold wax doll.
She seemed to recognize my gaze, so she quickly returned to her usual friendly self.
“I was happy today because I could watch the match with you, Erica.”
“I was happy too.”
“But what should I do? I have to go back now. My father will freak out if I come back late. Let’s meet in the library next time. Erica.”
Oh, of course, Freesia is an obedient and kind-hearted girl.
She has been rushing back since early evening.
I pondered for a few seconds the post-adult life of the sensible daughter I had been living, coming home after midnight every day under the pretext of studying at the library or drinking dates.
Freesia said goodbye elegantly and then approached the Crown Prince to greet him as well.
The two of them talking face to face looked like the prince and princess in fairy tales, impressing everyone who saw them.
“How could they be so in harmony?”
“Seeing a handsome man and a beautiful woman makes eyes shine. She is truly Miss Rubel.”
The nobles praised Friesia's elegance and exceptional beauty.
Even the noble girls seemed to admire Freesia's beauty and look at her with looks full of appreciation.
It has also been noted that some politically calculating nobles expect Frecia to be a candidate for the future throne and are considering how to cooperate with the family of Count Rubel.
It's a good thing the community has opinions about Freesia.
So, the rumor that Duke Carlix dedicated his triumph to a royal librarian is unlikely to spread.
Finally, Freesia got into the carriage and left.
I seriously thought about going to the palace first as well.
According to the original novel, Carlex and Friesia should be recognized as lovers, but I was almost mistakenly identified as the duke's lady.
I temporarily averted the crisis by claiming to be a savior, but once the tension cleared, I was overcome by extreme exhaustion.
All I want is to go to the palace and roll over on the bed.
Good.
I can get a message to Michael through someone else.
I was thinking about trying to get into any passing car, and as I was quietly moving to get off, Michael came running, his blonde hair swaying.
“Sister, have you waited long?”
“Ah, no, Your Highness the Little Prince.”
"Shall we go to the waiting room where my brother is now? There's still some time until the party."
Michael grabbed my hand with a cheerful face and dragged me.
Oh, when you look at me with those innocent eyes, I can't refuse.
When I got down, preparations for the party were also underway in the competition arena.
Servants were running here and there busily.
A large long table that could accommodate dozens of people was set up, and huge barrels of wine were placed on it.
On one side, whole pigs mounted on iron skewers twirled over a campfire.
A delicious, appetite-inducing scent spread throughout.
The wooden fence that ran across the middle of the competition arena was smashed with axes and piled up in the middle to become logs.
When someone threw a spark, smoke rose from the wood and in the blink of an eye turned into a huge flame.
“This party is being held by His Highness the Crown Prince for the Knights.”
"Really? Don't you think he just wants to enjoy himself?"
My words seemed to make Michael laugh, and he stifled his laughter and giggled.
“Ah, right. The Shadow Knights will also join the party. My brother will stay until the end. You will be with us too, right? Because you are Lady Winner.”
While saying the last words, the boy smiled with eyes full of amusement.
“To be continued in the next chapter”
Loving translation