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~Chapter 31~
Lady Crawford and Lady Lowen said nothing more. No—rather, it was more correct to say they couldn’t say anything.
“If I have been rude in any way, please feel free to tell me. I’m just very worried…”
Hmph.
Did they really think I’d just sit here and keep taking it?
…Her real thoughts were completely opposite of the words she spoke aloud.
‘They’ve been ignoring Killian and me from the very start.’
It was already annoying.
To be honest, the Ashton family was already a mess, and Aisha had never cared much about what people said about Killian. But there was always a limit to patience. And what—were these women such pure nobles themselves? Aisha knew plenty about their scandals.
And why was Killian staying silent, just taking it? With her, he was always so sharp and quick-tongued. Why not now?
As Aisha fumed silently—
“Our Lady Aisha is quite an interesting person,” Roselia finally spoke with a smile.
“These days, I really can’t keep up with the thoughts of young ladies. In the past, I never understood what adults used to say, but now… I see it clearly.”
She continued smoothly.
“All of this was said out of concern for you and Duke Killian. I’m sure you understand.”
Lies.
“Lady Crawford and Lady Lowen both had fair points, after all.”
Then she circled back to the subject.
“But is it true that the two of you are already living together? I was so shocked when I heard it. Normally, such things don’t happen before the engagement ceremony.”
“Indeed, I too was surprised when I first heard Lady Aisha was living at the Duke’s estate,” Roselia added with a thoughtful look.
“But of course, it’s not forbidden by law, is it, Lady Lowen?”
“Yes, just as Lady Crawford said—it isn’t illegal.”
“Besides, the Winters estate has no one left now. Isn’t it better for Lady Aisha to be there, helping, than for the Duke to prepare everything alone?”
“My opinion is the same,” Roselia nodded smoothly. “Preparing for an engagement requires more work than one expects. Without elders to assist, Duke Killian would be burdened, and surely Lady Aisha would not feel at ease.”
She was repeating all the noblewomen’s barbs, placing Killian and Aisha back on the cutting board.
“As a senior of the Imperial Family, I only hope this engagement is completed smoothly. If you ever need help, please ask the Imperial Family.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“No, no. Our Imperial Family owes much to Duke Killian’s strength in war. It is only natural to support you in this way.”
Huh… a sudden change of tone?
Aisha looked puzzled.
“Of course, the Imperial Family will continue to expect great things from you, Duke Killian. In the next war, and the one after that, we trust you will return victorious.”
“……”
“There are troubling rumors about the Aldrosia Empire,” Roselia said gravely.
“The new emperor is gathering private soldiers everywhere. It will affect our Drakxion Empire too. Our two nations have been enemies for centuries.”
Wait. Aldrosia?
That was the country of the story’s heroine, Hilda Everett.
‘Right, the timing makes sense. It is winter now, so this talk should appear around here. But still…’
“Still, I won’t worry too much. Once the engagement is over, I’m certain Duke Killian will defend us well.”
So that was it—Roselia was indirectly saying she wanted Killian thrown back into the battlefield.
“Oh my, wasn’t the new emperor of Aldrosia the one who rebelled for the throne? A concubine’s child, wasn’t he?”
“Yes, I heard he even killed his elder half-brother, the Empress’s true-born son.”
Lady Lowen and Lady Crawford eagerly joined in, piling fuel onto Roselia’s stage.
“Truly disgraceful. Perhaps it’s because his mother was a concubine.”
“Not necessarily so,” Roselia said with a sly laugh.
“But I do often wonder—can someone flawed from birth truly accomplish great things?”
…It was a clear jab at Killian—born a bastard, who had killed his father and brother to become head of the Winters family.
“Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager…”
For the first time, Belmore, who had been silent until now, tried to speak up, as if to stop her sharp words.
“Of course, His Majesty the Emperor would never understand such people,” Roselia continued, ignoring him.
“But sometimes there are those who dream of greatness without knowing their place. Yet can such petty ambitions truly be called a noble cause?”
“……”
“Look at Aldrosia’s new emperor. He rebelled and took the throne—of course the backlash will be severe. And now, instead of watching his own nation, he seeks to start another war.”
Aisha’s eyes narrowed.
‘How irritating. What is this—Joseon Dynasty politics? Medieval or not, this is disgusting.’
Because to Aisha, the things she hated most in the world were exactly what Roselia was showing now:
-
Inequality.
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Cowardice.
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Creepiness.
Three strikes. Out.
A fiery glare burned in Aisha’s eyes.
“I fully understand Your Majesty’s concerns,” Killian said calmly, as if nothing were strange.
“As for the Aldrosia Empire—”
But suddenly—
“Your Majesty.”
Aisha cut him off, her voice sharp and steady.
“Does a person’s birth really determine whether they can dream of something great? If only those born flawless may pursue such dreams, then can that truly be called a noble cause?”
Her eyes locked with Roselia’s.
“That isn’t a noble cause at all… it’s nothing more than a childish, shallow game of power.”
