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CHAPTER 04 —
“The Villainess Will Take Everything”
The imperial princess born from a commoner mistress had neither a foundation nor even a mother remaining in the imperial palace.
Not long after Princess Melissa was born, her mother—who had allegedly run off with a knight—disappeared without a trace.
There was no one left in the palace to take care of the young princess.
Without anyone to take her in, it was inevitable that her education and even her meals would be subpar.
The fact that the Emperor hadn’t expelled her entirely was already considered fortunate—but of course, no servant was going to properly care for her.
If anything, they bullied her even more to curry favor with their superiors.
And on top of that, her weak personality.
The bullying that had been subtle at first only grew worse as Melissa failed to respond properly.
Even recently, I had heard maids and attendants giggling about her.
The only reason it had lessened at all was due to the rumor of her engagement to House Colin.
As I thought about her, the scene from earlier replayed in my mind.
Decisive action. Boldness. Calmness even with a blade in front of her face.
No amount of training should have produced that kind of presence.
Unless someone was secretly backing her… someone even “Rabbit” couldn’t detect.
That would actually make sense.
It was just strange why such a thing would be hidden.
Unless she was avoiding the Second Prince’s cruelty driven by his violent competitiveness.
But if—just if…
If there was no supporter at all…
If that foolish princess image was entirely intentional…
Wouldn’t that be terrifying?
“……”
Dayton clasped his hands more tightly.
—
“…So bright.”
Early morning.
As Lena naturally pulled back the curtains, she let out an irritated groan and hurriedly blocked the sunlight.
There was still a faint scab on Lena’s neck.
“S-Sorry, Your Highness. It’s your usual wake-up time…”
Tch. Get it right.
It wasn’t Melissa’s usual wake-up time—it was the servants’ work schedule.
They just didn’t want to go back and forth twice for washing and dressing, right?
“I don’t wake up at this hour.”
“Y-Yes! Of course, Your Highness, I’ll be more careful!”
You really do have to scare people a bit for them to listen.
Watching Lena leave quietly, I buried my face in my pillow.
It wasn’t just Lena. Even the other maids who used to rush Melissa were noticeably more cautious.
The atmosphere at dinner the previous night had been tense, like walking on thin ice.
And I loved it.
“Shh, looks like Her Highness wants to sleep more.”
“So what? Just wake her up. I brought the wash water already.”
“You didn’t hear what happened yesterday? Be quiet.”
“…What? Did she eat something bad?”
“I said no!”
Lena’s voice trying to stop them echoed from the hallway.
Satisfied, I pulled the blanket up to my chin.
Just as I was about to fall asleep—
BANG!
“Eek, Grand Duke!”
The door slammed open violently.
I shot upright—and there he was.
Dayton, looking furious.
The maids scrambled back in panic.
Despite his violent entrance, Dayton stopped right in front of the bed—and froze.
He didn’t even speak.
“I… I mean… why… you… and…”
He seemed unable to form words, biting his lip repeatedly.
His pointing finger only showed how flustered he was.
“You’re earlier than I expected.”
I thought he’d come after lunch at least.
So much for noble discretion—rumors really did travel fast.
“What exactly do you think you’re doing?!”
Dayton quickly turned away as I got off the bed.
I was wearing a short slip that revealed my legs.
“Oh my, Your Highness!”
Lena rushed over with a robe and draped it over my shoulders.
Even then, Dayton refused to turn around, only looking away with ears bright red.
How pure.
“You confessed your love so passionately—how could I possibly refuse?”
“What—!”
Only then did Dayton turn back to face me again.
His expression clearly said what nonsense is this?
I smiled brightly and stepped closer.
“So I simply accepted your sincerity and devotion.”
“The princess is lying.”
“I didn’t say anything that didn’t happen.”
I embellished a little—but still.
Ignoring his protest, I shrugged.
“What I said was that the Grand Duke of House Colin protected me when I was in danger, and that we would stand together from now on.”
We’re on the same side now, aren’t we?
Dayton shook his head.
“I never agreed to side with you.”
“You were already on my side the moment you killed the assassin.”
Of course, I’d just said that to force the issue before he changed his mind later.
And also to make sure the Second Prince heard it.
After struggling with his temper, Dayton slowly nodded.
“…Fine. But what about this so-called confession of love?”
“It’s just the easiest way to explain that a man and woman agreed to stay together.”
“……”
“And honestly, it explains why you barged into my room without warning while I’m barely dressed.”
“…At least put some clothes on before talking.”
By the time Dayton returned to the room after that, he had regained some composure.
Not completely calm—but less red-faced than before.
“…What is this?”
“……”
Instead of answering, Dayton handed me several sheets of parchment.
While I looked them over, he remained silent.
After I casually dropped them onto the table, he finally spoke.
“Worse than I expected. You’ve got nothing.”
Such rude wording.
I smiled like someone who had just been called broke.
The papers contained information about Melissa.
Her background. Her finances. Brief records of her performance.
It was embarrassingly empty.
This résumé wouldn’t get you hired anywhere.
“So this is… actually kind of refreshing.”
“That’s your response?”
I tossed the papers aside.
“Worrying won’t grow hair back.”
Isn’t it better to start from the bottom?
I didn’t start with anything in my previous life either.
Well… maybe I was born with a gold spoon… or more like gold-plated at best.
Dayton frowned.
“What exactly are you planning to do with this?”
“Hmm?”
“Isn’t this far too empty for someone so confident?”
His words snapped me out of my thoughts.
I tilted my head slightly and looked up at him.
“…Your Grace.”
“…?”
“Call me properly.”
“Princess, I think you’re misunderstanding—”
I stepped closer.
Dayton inhaled sharply.
Blood still smeared across his shirt, staining like a seal.
I raised my uninjured hand slowly.
He grabbed my wrist before it could reach him.
“I think you’re not strange—you’re insane.”
Meeting his gaze, I didn’t flinch.
“Ten.”
“…?”
“Call me ‘Your Highness.’”
“…Your Highness.”
“Good.”
Satisfied, I nodded.
Dayton narrowed his eyes.
“…Are you sure there’s really no one backing you?”
“None. I grew up alone.”
“……”
His expression shifted strangely.
Surprise… then confusion… then something like reluctant acceptance.
“Strange… I thought you had support…”
“Don’t worry. I’ll get plenty from now on.”
“……”
“Dayton.”
“….”
“Grand Duke Colin?”
“…What is it?”
“Do you have money?”
A long silence followed.
Then I smiled even brighter.
“I need money.”
“……”
“A lot of it.”
