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Chapter 03
As the sun set and night fell, the soft glow of a grand chandelier lit the ballroom.
The ball, filled with many nobles, was lively and noisy.
The sound of glasses clinking and music blending together made it feel like the beginning of autumn.
And in the middle of it all—
Rizeana sat alone, elegant and distant, despite her higher status.
She looked around the hall with a bored expression.
As always, no one dared to approach her, as if there were an invisible wall between her and everyone else.
But she was used to it.
A young lady flinched in fear the moment their eyes met and quickly moved away.
“Did you hear? The Marquis of Deriana family disappeared without a trace.”
“Wasn’t he one of those opposing the Crown Prince’s business?”
“Then it must be the Crown Princess working behind the scenes again.”
Everything was unfolding exactly like the past.
The same music, the same atmosphere—
and the same whispers about her.
And just like before, Laiphin—who should have been escorting her—was nowhere to be seen.
But that was better.
Because if she saw his face—
she didn’t know what she might do.
Ignoring the whispers, she called a servant and asked for a cocktail.
Standing with the glass in her hand, she simply waited for the ball to end.
“This ridiculous act… will soon be over.”
The day she had planned was close.
That was why she could endure reliving all of this again.
But then—
“Isn’t that Rizeana?”
“…Father.”
Rizeana frowned as she saw him approaching.
The beginning of her downfall—
the Duke of Philorentia.
A man unworthy of being called her father.
Despite her cold reaction, he stood firmly before her.
She wanted to leave immediately.
But before she could turn away, he spoke.
“Why are you sitting here alone like a pitiful thing?”
“…Pitiful?”
“I asked what you’re doing alone without the Crown Prince. Don’t tell me you still haven’t won his heart?”
“What a harsh greeting for a daughter you haven’t seen in a while.”
Her father had always been like this.
He never cared about her—
only about how useful she was to the family.
“Useless girl.”
Rizeana stopped and glared at him.
She had followed everything he said.
He was the one who forced her into becoming Crown Princess—
even if she later fell in love on her own.
“Does the Philorentia family really deserve everything I’ve sacrificed?”
“What nonsense are you saying?”
“I’m asking what value a family has that gathers wealth through dirty work.”
His expression hardened.
He had raised her harshly since childhood.
Even now, his presence still felt overwhelming—
but she knew she could not back down anymore.
“So you’ve finally gone mad.”
“Perhaps. But we’ll see later if I’m wrong.”
“If you don’t want to be ‘educated’ again, you’d better watch your mouth.”
Her eyes trembled.
Education?
That was what he called it—
those cruel, suffocating days.
Locked in rooms, forced to study endlessly,
punished whenever she disobeyed.
She had no freedom.
Only obedience.
“Go ahead and watch. I have nothing left to lose.”
“What are you planning?”
“You should be the one begging me to spare you.”
His face tightened.
“Because I know all the filthy crimes of the Philorentia family.”
“Rizeana!”
He raised his hand.
Just like always.
But this time—
she wouldn’t take it.
Crash—
She dropped her glass onto the floor.
The sharp sound echoed through the hall—
drawing everyone’s attention.
“Did the Crown Princess just throw her glass?”
“…In front of her father?”
Whispers spread instantly.
The Duke froze, unable to act.
“…You!”
He glared at her, furious.
But she only smiled lightly.
“Please show proper respect before the Crown Princess, Duke.”
He had no choice but to leave.
Even if it made her seem more rude—
she didn’t care.
That was her position.
“His Highness the Crown Prince and Lady Delisa Lupe Crodenne have arrived!”
All attention shifted to the entrance.
Rizeana already knew why Laiphin was late.
He had been with Delisa.
Watching the two walk in arm-in-arm—
she drank another cocktail.
But her mind only became colder.
“Oh my, Your Highness.”
Delisa approached her, pulling Laiphin along.
Rizeana frowned at the sight.
The two people she hated most—
standing right before her.
“Were you alone?”
“Because I wanted to be. Not that you need to know.”
“Oh, don’t be so cold. I told him I was fine, but His Highness insisted on worrying about me.”
Delisa leaned gently against Laiphin.
He blushed.
Seeing them—
Rizeana felt empty.
“What was I even living for…?”
“Your Highness, please apologize.”
“There’s no need.”
Rizeana cut them off.
An empty apology meant nothing.
Her eyes scanned Delisa’s outfit—
covered in expensive jewels.
Clearly gifts from Laiphin.
“Delisa, you’re shining again today.”
“…What?”
“I was wondering where the royal funds were going. Now I know.”
Delisa blinked in confusion.
But Laiphin understood immediately.
“That’s enough, Rizeana. I gave those to her.”
“Then that’s even more of a problem.”
“…What?”
“Funds meant for the empire are being used elsewhere, aren’t they?”
“It’s just a ball. You understand how a lady wants to look beautiful.”
Rizeana laughed softly.
A man hiding behind power—
and a woman hiding behind him.
Perfect for each other.
“You two really suit each other.”
She smiled gracefully.
“I hope you stay together forever, no matter what.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Rizeana…?”
Delisa didn’t notice the sarcasm.
Laiphin looked confused—
but soon ignored it.
The two smiled at each other.
Just like before.
Rizeana clenched her teeth and turned away.
“I’ll give you both a truly miserable end.”
Morning came.
Rizeana got out of bed and opened the curtains.
Bright sunlight poured in.
She closed her eyes and let it wash over her.
“Today… is the day Delisa will be kidnapped.”
At last—
the day had arrived.
