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Episode 77

Grand Duchess Isabelle stood proudly before me and Leonid, dazzlingly beautiful.

She was called the flower of society, beautiful enough to be considered the nation's finest.

Her beauty was comparable to my transformed self as Jamila, yet different—like a lavish, full-blown rose. Every movement was restrained, radiating the dignity of a noble.

Like her father, Grand Duke Godwin, her face was angelically beautiful and kind.

Though her rose-like features had sharp eyes that could easily fit a villainess image, she had softened them with delicate makeup to appear gentle.

It felt like she was cosplaying as a sweet young lady.

Of course, that image earned her high praise among the young ladies and nobles around her.

She did many good deeds, led by example, and maintained a harmonious atmosphere among her peers.

But my instincts, honed by countless romance fantasy novels, told me she was anything but kind. You reap what you sow.

She was the type to wear an angel's mask while orchestrating all sorts of wicked deeds without ever dirtying her own hands.

As I recalled the investigation into her, her clear, beautiful voice directed at Leonid snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Your Majesty, I say this truly for your sake."

She clasped her hands together, lowering her brows in a pitiful plea toward Leonid.

"You may love her as you wish. I sincerely support you, Your Majesty. As your queen, who shares the same vision, I will be a steadfast ally by your side."

At her confident self-promotion, one of Leonid's eyebrows shot up.

I kept my expression composed beside him, but inwardly I was amazed.

Wow.

I wanted to whistle. No, I wanted to applaud fervently.

Not because she was impressive—far from it.

How could she speak so confidently in front of everyone with such baseless arrogance?

Her tone suggested she was doing him a favor, as if he should be grateful for the honor of taking her.

Her words, her expression, and the subtle smile of her father beside her all betrayed their true intentions.

I genuinely wondered if they truly believed their proposal would work.

As I thought, the murmurs of the onlookers surrounding us began to grow.

Their gazes were all curious.

I carefully checked Leonid's expression.

Like Cael, he harbored a deep grudge against the Grand Duke—enough that the mere mention of his name made his eyes turn fierce.

His gaze was so sharp it seemed he might draw his sword at any moment.

I cautiously took Leonid's arm to draw his attention.

Fortunately, he looked at me and softened his fierce expression.

Relieved, I carefully spoke.

"Your Majesty, with so many people around, this atmosphere frightens me. It seems an important conversation is taking place, but I don't think it's necessary to witness someone's face turning red."

"...Jamila."

"Shall we move elsewhere?"

Leonid caught my meaning and nodded.

Then, with a cold expression, he turned his back on the father and daughter.

"Follow me."

"...!"

Leonid escorted me ahead, and I followed, leaving them behind.

Of course, I didn't forget to turn back and give them a benevolent smile as a provocation.

I knew it was like walking into the lion's den, but my role required me to provoke Isabelle as much as possible.

I also needed to appear to Grand Duke Godwin as someone blinded by money.

We left the banquet hall and entered a room guided by the knights.

There, Cael had already arrived and was waiting for us.

The Grand Duke looked momentarily surprised to see Cael, but quickly recovered and moved forward.

With a composed face, he greeted Cael as if pleased.

"Duke, what a pleasant surprise to meet you here. I was actually planning to arrange a meeting with you soon."

"Spare me the trouble. There's no reason to meet."

Cael sharply cut off the Grand Duke's kindly smiling bravado.

His gaze briefly met mine.

"Duke Cael. I think you should excuse us. I have matters to discuss with the Grand Duke and his daughter."

Leonid sighed and asked Cael to leave.

But Isabelle interjected.

"No! The Duke should stay and hear this too. It's truly important, and it concerns him as well."

She stopped Cael from leaving and continued with a pleading tone.

"Your Majesty, you are being too harsh. How can you treat our family so cruelly? My father devoted himself wholeheartedly to the late king.

How long will you hold onto these misunderstandings about my father that others have fabricated? Hasn't my father already proven himself enough?"

"...Ha?"

Leonid stared at Isabelle in disbelief.

Cael, too, glared at her sharply.

Even I blinked in astonishment.

Everyone knew that her father, the Grand Duke, had incited the late king to commit countless crimes.

I had even heard people in the market speak with relief and praise, saying that if Leonid hadn't staged a rebellion to remove the late king, things would have been disastrous.

And she called it a misunderstanding?

"My father and our family have also suffered great losses. Yet my father never once complained to you, Your Majesty. He simply remained secluded in his mansion for three years."

You suffered losses because you committed crimes.

And wasn't the seclusion to destroy evidence?

If I do it, it's romance; if someone else does it, it's an affair!

"As for this marriage matter—if it was meant to defy my father... yes, that's enough. I hope you will stop here. You are the partner of a nation's ruler. For the sake of the country, you must consider the royal bloodline."

"So you're saying no one is more suited to be queen than you?"

Leonid's sharp retort silenced her. Isabelle finally smiled brightly and nodded.

"I believe no family is more fitting for the royal bloodline than ours."

I watched her brazenness with a weary gaze.

Strictly speaking, they were cousins—hardly a perfect match.

Before Leonid could respond, Isabelle turned to Cael.

"And the same goes for you, Lord Cael. Last time, Rosaly came back in tears. To insult such an innocent child—that's truly cruel. She has worked so hard to stand by your side."

Insult, she says.

I stared at her in disbelief. Cael's cold voice drew everyone's attention.

"Ridiculous."

"Indeed, you truly are shameless."

Cael's remark was followed by Leonid's, spoken with the same expression and tone.

I watched quietly, pondering.

Now would be the perfect time to strike at Grand Duchess Isabelle—what should I say?

After running through several simulations, I spoke loud enough for all to hear.

"I don't understand."

At my words, Isabelle's sharp voice immediately cut through.

"How dare a mere commoner interrupt—ugh!"

Oh dear, sister. Your mask slipped.

I smiled faintly.

Isabelle, realizing her mistake, covered her mouth in embarrassment, having spoken too loudly for everyone to hear.

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