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Chapter : 54
No matter how high-ranking a noble may be, they can never surpass the imperial family. To pull such an outrageous stunt in the presence of not only the princess but also the crown prince—there was no way the matter could be treated lightly.
It’s over.
Following Astellas’s retreating figure with her eyes, Freya let out a quiet sigh. She hadn’t expected things to unfold like that, but thanks to it, the situation had turned completely upside down.
I didn’t think she’d actually smash the projector. Was hiding that strange power so important?
That black energy Astellas had used—Freya still didn’t know what it was, but it was definitely no ordinary power.
“Are you okay, Freya? You were close—did any shards hit you?”
“I’m fine. You don’t need to worry.”
“Good… that’s a relief.”
Only after confirming that she didn’t have so much as a scratch did Raiden finally look at ease.
“Lady Vinoc truly… manages to shock people again and again.”
“She really does. And what just happened is going to cause a major uproar.”
“She crossed a serious line. A report will be sent to His Imperial Majesty.”
“To His Majesty?”
If it reached the emperor, it would likely be treated as a case of great importance. Naturally so—she had destroyed palace property right in front of the imperial princess and crown prince.
And not even an ordinary item, but a magical artifact from the Mage Tower. It would be expensive and, as an official asset, the responsibility would be heavy.
“Lady Vinoc will stand trial. Property destruction will be the first charge, but the real issue is that she shattered the projector right before Their Highnesses.”
“It posed a clear threat to both of them… so an attempted attack on the imperial family will be included.”
“That’s right. They weren’t harmed, fortunately, so it will be treated as attempted, but the punishment won’t be light.”
“…She brought this on herself.”
Astellas probably never imagined that her greed would lead to this. She likely had no idea she’d end up in court. Absolutely not.
But will the law be able to judge her so easily?
She would never confess willingly—on top of that, she possessed a power that could control people. If she used it as she had today, it might be difficult to ensure she was properly punished.
Still, things should stay quiet for a while.
At a palace banquet, no less. Whether she wanted to or not, she had all but admitted her wrongdoing in front of a crowd. She would find it hard to show her face anywhere for some time.
Word would spread quickly, and once it did, she would barely be able to set foot into any social gathering. Astellas loved going out—would she endure forced seclusion?
“I can’t believe it. Lady Vinoc was such a violent person?”
“I know. It’s really shocking.”
Hearing the voices of young ladies murmuring among the crowd, Freya narrowed her eyes.
“She destroyed it because she didn’t want her lies exposed. Who does something like that?”
“Then it’s true she lied… how wicked.”
Even those who didn’t want to comment couldn’t help themselves—criticism of Astellas was rising louder and louder in the hall.
The confusion still lingered, but soon the condemnation would only grow.
With nowhere to go without being judged, she’d crumble eventually.
She’d sown the seeds herself. Freya felt no sympathy whatsoever.
“Your Highness.”
“Oh—Lady Freya.”
Freya called out to Helena. Jeyros had managed to calm her, and her stiff expression softened when she saw Freya approaching.
“I’m sorry. I tried to help, but I missed my chance.”
“No, I’m the one who should apologize. You invited me so graciously, and I caused such trouble… I’m truly sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. The one who should be begging forgiveness is someone else entirely.”
A sharp glint flashed in Helena’s eyes.
Astellas might have just made the worst possible enemy.
Could she handle someone like Helena—a woman not to be trifled with? Freya didn’t care; it worked to her advantage.
Suppressing a rising smile, she glanced around, then spoke carefully.
“I’m sorry for ruining the mood of your banquet.”
“It couldn’t be helped. We can always host another later, so don’t dwell on it.”
“This is a banquet Your Highness worked hard to prepare—there’s no way I can let it end like this. I don’t know if it will help, but I do have some news that might lighten the mood.”
“Oh? What is it?”
Helena perked up with interest. Freya met her expectant gaze, then briefly glanced toward Raiden.
“Is it alright?”
“Yes, of course.”
The subject wasn’t stated, yet Raiden answered with a warm smile. Having watched her all this time, he clearly knew what she intended to say.
Is this trust?
Entrusting everything to her without confirmation—it was something small, perhaps, but she hadn’t been on the receiving end of such simple, sincere faith in a long time.
Somehow… it made her shy.
Averting her eyes so it wouldn’t show, Freya faced Helena and spoke.
“The date for my engagement with the Duke of Betelheim has been set.”
“What—truly? Congratulations!”
Helena gasped with delight. An engagement—what unexpected and excellent news.
It was just the thing to revive a ruined atmosphere.
“Everyone, did you hear? The date for the engagement between Duke Betelheim and Lady Valche has been finalized!”
“Oh my! I absolutely must attend!”
“Same! I hope I receive an invitation…”
Nearby young ladies were already reacting. Good—let the news spread. A smile bloomed across Helena’s face.
“So when is it?”
“The 7th of next month.”
“Two weeks from now. And where will it be held?”
“At the Betelheim duchy. Thankfully, the duchess has agreed to open the Bellona Garden for the ceremony.”
“The Bellona Garden?”
Helena’s eyes widened in shock. An engagement in that Bellona Garden?
The Betelheim estate had several gardens, each with its own theme spread across vast grounds. Since the time of the first duchess, they had been lovingly tended, retaining their unique beauty over generations.
There was even a garden manual passed down to each successive duchess. Over time, noble ladies who visited the estate spread glowing praise, making the gardens famous.
Among them, the most famed of all was the Bellona Garden.
A garden opened only for the most significant of occasions. Named after the legendary Bellona flowers said to bloom there.
Bellona—an enchanted blossom said to have been left behind by a spirit of the ancient empire. Legends told that if a million bloomed, any wish could come true—something every imperial citizen knew.
But the flowers were nearly impossible to cultivate. Even coaxing one to bloom was as difficult as plucking a star from the sky.
Yet the Betelheim garden held a thousand of them—the only place in the empire where Bellona flowers existed.
A soft smile curved Helena’s lips.
The duchess must consider this engagement truly important. I knew she thought well of Lady Valche, but to allow the Bellona Garden for the ceremony…
Helena had never had a bad impression of Freya, but subconsciously, she’d believed the difference in rank—marquis’s daughter versus duke—was significant.
Even with Betelheim announcing the engagement first, Helena assumed that Freya might not be fully welcomed. What a misjudgment.
Realizing how Freya was regarded in the duchy, Helena beamed and stepped closer.
“How wonderful! It’s going to be such a special engagement!”
She found herself wanting to grow closer to Freya. And not merely because of the garden.
Duchess Savanna of Betelheim was known in society for her strict and exacting nature.
Helena had met her several times at teas and soirees, and she knew firsthand how dignified, discerning, and firm the woman was. Her standards for noble ladies were high—shaped by her background and upbringing.
Few young noblewomen earned her approval. Freya’s etiquette was impeccable, so perhaps it was possible, but Savanna was famously difficult to approach—so even that seemed unlikely.
How on earth had this unassuming young lady managed not only to meet but capture the regard of such a woman?
