Chapter 147 (2/2)

Tilting his head, Duke Jenna talked back, “Novel? I’ve just told the truth.”

“If you want to argue what you have said is true, you need evidence. Can you present the evidence to support your claim? If you blamed me without any specific evidence, you will have to pay the price for disgracing my family. ”

“Then, Marquis, can you present the evidence about your late wife’s family background?”

“It is you who came up with the groundless story first. So, you have to present the evidence first.”

As if he looked aghast, Duke Jena showed his teeth to my father. When he tried to counterattack, raising his eyebrows as much as he could, someones’ cool but determined voice was heard.

“Stop there! Marquis is right, Duke. You’re just making claims without presenting any clear evidence? If you question the marquise’s family background, it is directly related to the honor of the Monique family. As a result, I have to take your groundless claim about her birth as nothing more than slander, ” said the emperor in an angry tone.

“Your Majesty, but…”

“Stop it! I won’t allow you to say anything more about it. As the master of the empire, I can’t tolerate the conflict between the two prestigious families. Got it?”

“… Yes, Your Majesty. ”

“Your Majesty, he has already insulted my family. Please allow me to restore my tarnished honor. ”

“I have already said that I don’t want any conflict between the two families. So, stop it, Marquis. Instead, in order to clear the groundless suspicion, let me disclose the document that recorded the confistication of the marquise’s title as the time of her marriage and the confisticated seal of the Sonia family. Jiun Graspe, isn’t this enough to clear your suspicion?”

The emperor looked around sharply as if he would not tolerate anymore if anybody again raised suspicion about her. Overwhelmed by his threatening posture, the pro-emperor faction and the noble faction shut up, but those who were still looking at me were deeply suspicious.

I realized Duke Jena’s cheap trick suddenly.

‘Duke Jenna was aiming for this kind of thing from the beginning.’

He had no evidence about his preposterous claim from the beginning, though he was convinced. Perhaps he felt if he could make a dent in my honor, that was enough for him.

I don’t know how credible his claim was, but when I examined the directory of the nobles last time, it was certain that my mother had an unknown family background. The matter of her birth could be quickly solved if the emperor decided to disclose the noble directory that recorded her birth, but he didn’t say anything about it. I felt something fishy about it.

Even faced with the emperor’s sharp gaze, Jiun opened her mouth casually, “Yes, Your Majesty. After hearing their argument, I have come to realize for sure which family I should turn to.”

“Okay, which family do you want to choose?”

“I would like to be accepted by Duke Jena as his foster daughter. I believe God will respect my choice, Your Majesty. ”

“… Let me approve. ”

“I’m so grateful for your decision. Then, just like Lady Monique did, can I go to the seat that I deserve to sit in as a member of a great noble family?”

“…Sure, go ahead.”

As soon as the emperor approved, Jiun slowly raised her body.

Like I did in silence, she also clicked her heels to walk to her seat.

After she approached the head table, she bowed to Duke Jenna and said with a smile, “Thank you for accepting me, Daddy. I will not forget your favor.”

“Oh, yes. I’m glad to have you as my daughter. Have a seat here.”

After warming up to him with greetings, she sat down next to the duke just like I did.

Sitting now, on an equal footing with me, she turned her eyes to me after looking around.

At that moment, Jiun’s and my gaze met simultaneously.

She smiled gently while looking at me. Her red lips seemed to be saying something. I strained my eyes to read the movement of her lips.

‘It’s been a while.’

I got goosebumps.