HRLR 26

Chapter 26

“Uuuurk—!”

“Ugh…!”

“Screeeech—!”

Since she hadn’t eaten anything, only liquid came out, but the amount was quite substantial, making people frown as a path quickly opened up. Someone swiftly crossed the suddenly widened hall.

“Mother…! Are you alright? Please use this to wipe yourself.”

Ladian went to Shan’s side and handed her a handkerchief. At this gentle gesture, pity, guilt, and anger toward Shan surged once again in their eyes.

“That horrible woman bullied such a kind child—she’s been struck by divine punishment.”

“This is the first time in my life I’ve ever wished for a divorce.”

“Who isn’t? Since she’s still a virgin, she could even remarry.”

“It’s not even divorce—she could file for annulment. What kind of husband or family are they, treating her badly without even consummating the marriage?”

“If she doesn’t even get alimony and gets thrown out, I’ll support her myself.”

“There’s no way that’ll happen. This is a guaranteed win.”

“Seriously, why pick on someone who was just minding her own business… serves them right.”

Listening to the murmurs of the crowd, Ladian continued to support Shan. Now sober, Shan was in no condition to refuse Ladian’s assistance. Or rather, she was so terrified she didn’t even realize she was being helped.

When the duke turned around, a path opened once again. The Skananga family exited under everyone’s gaze. After passing through the brightly lit hall, outside was complete darkness. The moment Ladian, who had been supporting Shan, was swallowed by the darkness, she smiled faintly.

It was the smile of a victor.

“I will take my leave here.”

All eyes turned to Ladian at once. Their expressions were as if she had said something absurd.

“From today onward, I have decided to live not as Ladian Skanan, but as Ladian Clony. I can no longer return to Skanan Castle. I simply came this far to speak somewhere quiet.”

“What nonsense are you talking about again!”

Iriot shouted angrily. The crowd’s attention immediately shifted to them. The duke, mindful of the surrounding gaze, grabbed Iriot’s shoulder.

“Enough. Do not cause a scene.”

“Hah… but….”

“Hey, isn’t that the impotent guy?”

“Shh, be quiet. He might hear you and get angry.”

They snickered as they spoke shocking words before walking away. Since they were only visible as silhouettes in the dark, no one could tell who they were, but Iriot felt all his strength drain away at those voices. He couldn’t believe rumors about him had already spread through high society. He wanted to tear Ladian apart immediately, but even that was not easy.

However, the greatest secret was still safe. Iriot comforted himself with that thought for now.

Duke Aite did not wait for Ladian and boarded the carriage. With only Ladian and Iriot left, Iriot hesitated before eventually getting into the carriage as well, leaving Ladian behind.

“Hyah—!”

With a forceful shout, the carriage set off. Ladian watched it closely.

“Hah… hah… hahaha!”

Ladian began to laugh softly. Everything had gone according to plan. No—better than planned. She had exploited Shan’s nature of needing to be the center of attention. By declaring divorce in front of all the nobles, they would not be able to recklessly kill her now.

It was a complete success.

Barely suppressing her laughter so it wouldn’t burst out, Ladian quickly boarded another carriage.

“Take me to the nearest inn.”

The coachman, eyes widening at the shining silver coin, quickly set off.

“As you wish! I will take you to the finest inn!”

Drip—.

With a dazed expression, Ladian watched the cocktail show in front of her. After renting a windowless room and performing a victory dance on the bed, she couldn’t fall asleep and came down to the inn’s pub.

It was late, so there were hardly any people at the bar. Fewer than ten people were quietly talking in the spacious pub.

She had only drunk two mild cocktails, but perhaps due to everything that had happened, she felt slightly intoxicated. Still, it was just the right pleasant buzz, so she planned to watch the cocktail show a little longer before returning.

“This is from the gentleman over there.”

To think the drink she was watching the elaborate show for was actually hers. Ladian scratched her cheek awkwardly.

“It’s a non-alcoholic cocktail. But it should still taste good.”

The man soon came to sit beside her and spoke gently. Confused, she looked toward the bartender, who nodded in confirmation.

“It’s a punch made with dried mango, pineapple, and peach juice. Sweet and refreshing—noble young ladies especially like it.”

Ladian looked at the colorful drink and cautiously took a sip. If anything happened, she could simply press her bracelet.

“…Oh my.”

It was truly delicious. The sweet and sour pineapple blended with soft peach flavor, and the mellow mango aroma tickled her nose. It was a refreshing, sweet drink that seemed to wash away all fatigue.

“Thank you.”

Meeting the man’s eyes as she thanked him, Ladian noticed his eyes were glowing gold. Startled, she also saw his slightly tousled hair—bright red in color.

Others in the bar might not realize it, but Ladian knew. Red hair and golden eyes were symbols of royalty. She quickly lowered her head and whispered so only he could hear:

“Your Highness, I greet you.”

“Even in a tiny pub like this, someone recognizes me. Raise your head.”

His tone carried more amusement at her recognizing him instantly than disappointment at being discovered.

The duke also had royal blood and red hair, but not the golden eyes of the direct line. Red hair and golden eyes only appeared in the legitimate royal bloodline, so he was likely one of the emperor’s two sons.

And since the crown prince who had just been engaged today would not be in a pub like this, the man sitting before her was likely Prince Avinian Irhen, the elder brother of the crown prince.

Unaware that the bartender was serving a prince and a marchioness, he continued working silently. Ladian took another sip of her drink.

“Why are you out here and not at home, Lady?”

“I’m meeting a friend here.”

“At this late hour?”

“My friend said they had something important to tell me.”

“Not because you can’t return to that house anymore?”

Ladian looked at his smiling face. He already knew everything. Narrowing her eyes slightly, she remained cautious. As a prince, this was likely a personal approach, but she couldn’t relax. She covered the bracelet dangling on her wrist with her palm.

Avinian looked at her stiffened neck and said,

“My, don’t be so tense. You’re so adorable that I was rude. And I’m only here by coincidence, so please don’t be suspicious.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t trust Your Highness. I’ll take my leave first.”

As she stood, Avinian quietly spoke:

“The pitiful marchioness smiles more than I expected.”

Ladian froze mid-motion, hand on the bar.

Had he seen that small laugh in the dark? When? From where?

While countless thoughts raced through her mind, he tapped the tip of her slender finger resting on the bar with his own index finger.

Startled, Ladian came to her senses and looked at him. His pure golden eyes watched her with amusement. Strangely, as she met those eyes, her anxiety gradually began to settle. Her trembling lashes steadied, and when she opened her eyes again, she was no longer a frightened woman—but an elegant noble lady.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Just nonsense.”

“Are you not happy about your brother’s engagement, Your Highness?”

She smiled and smoothly changed the subject. He lifted one corner of his mouth in disbelief.

“I’m irritated that my younger brother is marrying before me.”

“True siblings ought to offer congratulations.”

Of course, expecting deep familial affection from royalty was unrealistic. Avinian was born from a passionate affair between a baron’s daughter and the emperor. However, due to lack of legitimacy, the crown prince—three years younger than him—was named heir instead. The crown prince’s mother was a princess of the Tok Kingdom, bringing an enormous dowry. Avinian’s mother, Lady Eugenia, died giving birth to him.

With no family or backing, Avinian grew up as a neglected figure in the palace. Born premature and frail, with chronic illness, he was once told he wouldn’t live past ten. Yet he survived well into his twenties. Perhaps due to excessive medicinal herbs used to save him, he became a notorious womanizer.

Just like this.

“A toast at the engagement was enough congratulations. Since my younger brother is ahead of me, I feel a sense of urgency. So, how about me after your divorce?”

“Becoming involved with a divorced marchioness and a prince of the empire would be improper. I’m sure you’ll find a better match.”

“Why would a mere title-less prince matter so much? You need not feel burdened.”

“I think I would be the one wasting my value.”

At her sharp reply, Avinian looked utterly dumbfounded. A faint sound of air escaping came from his slightly open mouth.

“…Ah… hahaha! You got me there. I felt it earlier too—you are truly remarkable.”

“You flatter me.”

“Truly… I like you. If the prince does not interest you, what do you plan to do with your life?”

“I will think about that later.”

“Someone as intelligent as you would not have acted without a plan. I want to know, but… you won’t tell me, will you? Then may I propose a wager? Anything is fine. If I lose, I will use the prince’s name to help you as much as possible.”