🔊 TTS Settings
[CHAPTER 124]
Fortunately, the study looked just as it always did.
It was fairly bright thanks to the magic lamp, so there was no trouble in examining the interior.
Tall bookshelves, a massive desk, a vintage sofa, and in the center of the sofa sat the Duke.
Unlike when I arrived at the Duke’s mansion and got out of the carriage, I felt no warmth in his gaze upon seeing me.
I felt a second wave of relief here.
What if, by some chance, he suddenly felt paternal affection and responsibility for me?
Fortunately, his expression and behavior proved that it was all just an act, so I felt I could continue to interfere with his affairs without hesitation.
The Duke scrutinized me from head to toe, lost in thought.
He tapped the armrest of the sofa with his fingers, buying time.
“Father.”
“Not that it would be the case.”
He spoke abruptly without giving context.
“You haven’t been involved in the Crown Prince’s recent antics, have you?”
“Excuse me? Involved?”
“For example, supporting the Crown Prince when I announced tax reforms, or giving information about the Marquis of Molten. Did you provide any of that?”
I tilted my head in confusion, trying to understand.
“I don’t understand what you mean at all, Father.”
The Duke’s eyes narrowed as he leaned back on the sofa, crossing his legs.
“I’m asking if you helped the Crown Prince in his schemes against me.”
“Impossible. You know better than anyone that it couldn’t happen. If His Highness had even acknowledged me, I wouldn’t be this upset.”
Pretending to wipe away a tear, the Duke made a slight frown.
“Exactly what is your current status with the Crown Prince? How far has it progressed?”
I gave a similar answer as before.
“When we meet, he is polite and courteous, but somehow cold… and he leaves when serious matters are discussed.”
“Clever fellow. He deals with my daughter just enough not to be caught in the wrong.”
He complained about the Crown Prince while simultaneously giving me a disapproving look.
“I wondered if you were taking risks to win the Crown Prince’s favor.”
I lowered my gaze with a gloomy expression.
“If it were possible, maybe… but I don’t know what I could even do, and he doesn’t easily listen to such things.”
“Yes, you are not that clever, are you.”
I felt a tingle in my fingertips at his words.
Normally, I might have reacted to his sarcasm, but now it was unnecessary.
The more he underestimates me, the less cautious he will be. I will remain silent and keep my head down.
Yet, to assert so boldly like this, I found the Duke’s judgment surprisingly poor.
How could someone like him become one of the leading nobles of the Empire? Was it because of collusion with the Archmage?
As if reading my thoughts, the Duke immediately mentioned the Archmage.
“Have you had any contact with Count Ascard, the Archmage?”
I was momentarily startled but tilted my head naturally and spoke slowly.
“Only once at Eric’s graduation, and once at the harvest festival ball. Other than that, no.”
“Why would he be interested in you?”
I feigned shock, clasping my hands to my chest as if afraid.
“He’s interested in me? Why?”
“Nothing comes to mind? Did you speak with him?”
“He asked about Sylvia, the new magician in the Crown Prince’s palace. But I didn’t know much, so…”
The Duke studied me, apparently checking the truth of my words, then furrowed his brow.
“So he’s really just pursuing beauty. Such a senile old man.”
It seemed the Archmage had told the Duke he desired me.
I shivered and unconsciously touched the back of my neck.
As if to move past the topic, the Duke slowly rose from the sofa and headed behind the desk.
I quietly watched his movements.
He opened a drawer and took out a small bottle, smaller than a palm.
Even though I expected it, my heart raced at the sight.
That’s it. That’s exactly it.
The last potion the Crown Prince drank before his return, given by Amelia.
I can’t believe it’s appearing already.
I clasped my trembling hands politely, forcing a calm expression.
The Duke tapped the pointed cap of the bottle with his finger.
“Amelia, you must be frustrated. You’re trying to win the Crown Prince’s favor, but it’s not working. As a father, I feel both regret and concern.”
His tone was noticeably gentler than before.
“You’re upset, but I can’t wait forever. I’ll help you a little.”
He brought the bottle forward and handed it to me.
“Remember, this is your last chance. Use this potion to win the Crown Prince’s favor. If you fail, I will personally remove you from the Crown Prince’s palace.”
The Duke used both carrot and stick. If Amelia had heard this, she would have felt both delight and fear.
“What is this?”
I eyed the bottle suspiciously as he placed it in my hands.
“A love potion.”
“…….”
“Once the Crown Prince sees you after drinking this, he will fall madly for you. He will value you and heed your words from then on.”
A lie.
The Duke spoke the brazen falsehood calmly.
“Do you want the Crown Prince to drink this?”
“Yes. Of course, he would be suspicious if given directly, so it’s best to mix it into food or tea.”
I stared at the bottle, which contained a cloudy, translucent liquid.
Seeing me remain silent, the Duke, trying to suppress his impatience, added:
“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. But know that I can’t wait any longer. If I can’t rely on you, I’ll remove you from the position of prospective Crown Princess and deal with the Crown Prince myself.”
I drew a deep breath at his words.
I can’t refuse here. The Duke won’t let me leave easily.
“I’ll… try.”
Seeing my trembling voice, the Duke raised the corners of his mouth in satisfaction.
“Good. Imagine the Crown Prince completely infatuated with you. Isn’t that exactly what you wanted?”
I lifted my head to see him smiling calmly at me.
I kept my lips tightly closed, staring at him straight on.
The bottle felt cold and hard in my hands.
After finishing the conversation with the Duke, I stepped outside, where Derek and Vivian were still waiting.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. It’s done now.”
“Are you alright, Lady?”
I gave a bitter smile and nodded.
“Yes.”
“Shall I escort you to your room? Which one is it?”
Naturally, I intended to go to the room I originally used in this house.
At that moment, James appeared urgently.
“Sir!”
Derek was the only knight present, so he responded.
“What is it?”
“Th-the royal knights accompanying you have gotten into a fight. You should go and see!”
