Chapter 24 (1/2)

“Well. Dylan’s already getting a good education at home. Also, he’s old enough to be a squire.”

“You don’t have to come in as a squire. There are many great knights in the Duke of Cabezo, so if you come straight in as an apprentice, you’ll get a good education.”

That was nonsense. The purpose of bringing Dylan into the Cabezo duchy was obviously to subordinate Count Daughtry to Duke Cabezo.

“You’ll get not only knight training, but also liberal arts education. Polia’s teacher is commendable.”

“It’s all right.”

Dylan, who had been silent, said coldly.

“Sir Dylan, this is a great opportunity for you too.”

“Thank you for your kindness, but I’m satisfied with the education I’m getting.”

“You still don’t know how the world works. You don’t have the professionalism like your father or brother.”

Duke Cabezo said with a sneer. Of course, Dylan’s road to ‘professionalism’ like Count Daughtry was being defamed.

“I respect my son’s idea.”

Victoire said calmly. The Duke of Cabezo shook his head. It was a blatant disregard. He shut his mouth and patted his daughter on the shoulder who was still staring at Dylan stupidly.

“But, but where’s the young lady Daughtry?”

Polia spoke as if she had come to her senses belatedly.

“There’s a rumor going around that she is hidden and doesn’t show up.”

Polia spoke stiffly, as if she was speaking a memorized line. Perhaps Duke Cabezo made her talk.

“My daughter is still adjusting to her new life, Princess.”

“Still? She must be slow to adapt.”

At that moment, the top of the table became frigid.

“If there’s anything I can do to help, I want to help.”

“Polia, you don’t have to help everyone.”

“I think it’s my duty to help others if I am a princess. Besides, I’m the only princess in the Empire. I’m supposed to be a model for everyone.”

“You’re good-hearted, my daughter.”

Duke Cabezo stroked Polia’s head affectionately.

“Look at this child. She’s like me, so she’s very responsible. And she’s as kind as my dead wife. How can I not spare my child?”

Victoire, Damon and Dylan were dumbfounded by this stupid play.

Duke Cabezo then spoke.

“People who I don’t know have been making bad rumors about Lady Daughtry, but now they’ve heard a lot of good things. I am especially very curious to hear that Marquis Dalton and Sir Dalton say that Lady Daughtry is really cute.”

“She’s a particularly cute and clever daughter.”

Victoire answered quickly. Dylan looked at Victoire in bewilderment.

(Dy) ‘Isn’t it Victoire who deliberately started the rumor to protect Elisabeth? What’s wrong with him. What a dimwit.’

“Particularly cute and clever? I really want to be friends with her.”

Polia said. It was a voice full of jealousy.

“No matter how cute and clever they are, there will still be the unique rusticness of a poor-grown child, and I want to lead her well as a princess.”

As if she was not praising the other girl in front of her, Polia discredited the young lady of Daughtry, whom she had never seen before.

Damon smiled kindly.

“You don’t have to feel that much pressure just because you’re a princess. My youngest sister is growing up very well.”

“No. I’m the only princess of the Duke Cabezo and the only princess of the Empire. It’s natural to help a poor child.”

Dylan was annoyed by Polia’s constant emphasis on ‘the only princess.’ Moreover, it was ridiculous for Duke Cabezo to just listen as if it were natural.

“It’s late, but I’m sorry about Lady Emilie.”

Dylan said coldly. It was a provocation on purpose.

“It can’t be helped because human life depends on heaven.”

Duke Cabezo replied but he answered without his face changing.

‘How could he do that when his daughter is dead?’

I knew roughly how Elisabeth was treated by the Duke of Cabezo. However, I couldn’t stand but be angry when I met him in front of my eyes.

But Dylan was able to resist the rising anger because of concerns that permeated at one side of his heart.

‘Elisabeth would have a hard time just having this man here.’

Victoire had no choice but to contact Duke Cabezo because he had to approach the Duke of Cabezo to get revenge himself. It was unexpected that he even brought Polia.

However, it would be difficult for young Elisabeth to understand, and even if she did, she would be agitated.

“Father…”

Polia called Duke Cabezo and whispered something. The Duke of Cabezo stared at Dylan with wary eyes.

“Count Daughtry. I have a favor to ask of you.”

“A favor. If there’s anything you want, please tell me.”

“My daughter must be very pleased with the Daughtry mansion. I’d like you to introduce her around.”

Victoire’s expression hardened at the moment. However, he replied with a smile, thinking he should only need to not bring her near Elisabeth’s room and introduce her around.

“That would be welcome. Let my son Damon introduce you.”

“No.”

Polia cut in urgently.

“Sir Dylan, please show me!”

Dylan looked at Polia with cold eyes.

***

Elisabeth was blankly putting the puzzle together. It was one of the puzzles that Victoire bought her when she’s bored.

“Oh, miss! Wake up!”

Marian, who was bringing tea and snacks, smiled and said.

Elisabeth looked closely at the puzzle only then. It was a puzzle with a unicorn drawing, and the front legs of the unicorn were set instead of horns.

“Ah!”

“You’ve done it more than ten times, and you’re wrong, were you having any other thoughts?”

Marian knew nothing about it.

“When you have a lot of thoughts, take a cup of tea and take a breather, miss.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Marian.”

Elisabeth drank the sweet, strawberry-scented tea. She felt a little out of her mind, but still feeling unreal.

‘My father is in this house. Just like Polia is.’

I thought I had erased a lot of my abused past while I was mentally being healed in the Daughtry mansion. But when I thought of my father and Polia being in the same space, I couldn’t get my head together.

Even a moment’s gasping felt as if someone was stealing her soul, her thoughts bounced back to her father and Polia. There was nothing but horrible things and frustrations there, but I kept thinking about them like I was tempted.

‘There’s no more sadness or regret for not being loved by my own father.’

I have received enough kindness here.