Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Iris recalled the terrifying moment when her belongings were stolen.
It was in the middle of a crowded downtown area, but no one helped. She cried out desperately, but everyone just watched, and to make matters worse, her legs were growing weaker.
Just when she thought it would be impossible to ever meet her father,
"Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?"
A righteous benefactor stood in the thief's path. Despite her small and delicate frame, she stood up to the thief, who was several times her size.
The man who seemed to be her guard, standing behind the benefactor, had nearly killed the thief.
But he would have ignored it if the benefactor hadn't stepped in. He only reluctantly helped to protect her because she had taken the initiative.
'I owe my benefactor a debt of gratitude for life. I need my mother's keepsake to prove I'm her real daughter when I meet my father.'
'Oh dear, you've been through so much.'
Iris thought she could tell her everything from beginning to end if the benefactor asked.
But she seemed to understand her situation with just one sentence and simply comforted her without asking anything.
'She was dazzlingly beautiful and kind. The hand that picked up my bundle was as white as jade. Maybe she was a high-ranking noble who came to the South for a vacation.'
There was a famous resort in the South, so Iris had seen many nobles when she lived there.
Iris believed that she would meet her benefactor again someday if she settled in the Duke's household. At that time, she wanted to become her closest friend.
'So I have to cheer up. I can do it.'
Iris nodded firmly, making a firm resolution.
＊ ＊ ＊
The morning sun was already rising.
Vivian, who had fallen asleep earlier than usual due to a mild Consumption attack, watched the two people chatting amiably in front of her bed with a bewildered expression.
"I apologize, Your Highness. I misspoke last night."
"Don't take it to heart. I actually want to get along with you, brother. I heard that Vivian is the only family member she follows."
"Father has always been cold to us siblings. After our mother passed away early, we only had each other to rely on."
Alex, who had tried to slit his throat last night, was now sitting on the sofa, facing Aslan, and having a normal conversation.
But what was even more surprising was Aslan's attitude.
The Emperor's second son and the leader of the North was calling Alex, who was only a minor noble, 'brother' in such a friendly manner.
'Is there something wrong with my hearing?'
Vivian poked at her ear. Of course, nothing changed.
"That's why I chose to study abroad. I thought that if I studied diligently and gained power, my father would no longer ignore us siblings."
Last night, he kept talking about breasts, so she thought he was crazy. But now it seemed he was a crazy person with a story.
Vivian nodded quietly, and Aslan turned his gaze.
He made eye contact with her and immediately got up and approached.
"You look pale. How are you feeling, Vivian?"
"I'm not bad."
"Now that you're awake, just grab your coat and let's go back right away. I can't trust the doctors here at all."
"Are we going back? But we haven't met my sister yet."
"There will always be another chance."
"I want to see her face, at least."
To be exact, I want to see you and the original heroine recognize each other like fate! That's the only way I can survive!
Whether Vivian's earnest wish was granted, Alex assisted her.
"How about staying one more night, as Vivian says. It's also a house you've returned to after a long time, and it seems that Father and Iris have finished preparing the banquet."
"That's right. Just one day, okay?"
In fact, Vivian thought she wouldn't need even a day. She was sure that once the two of them made eye contact, everything would go well on its own.
But it didn't take long for her certainty to explode completely in mid-air.
"Benefactor?"
The long-awaited first meeting. Iris recognized Vivian as if it were fate.
"How are you here, Benefactor...?"
"Who are you?"
"Don't you remember me? We met in the South!"
"Keep your composure, Iris. Have you forgotten what I told you?"
The Duke, who had arranged the meeting, seemed embarrassed and tried to divert her attention. But it was of little use.
Even after the meal started, her gaze was fixed only on Vivian.
Only then did Vivian realize that the woman she had met in the southern city was the original heroine. She hadn't recognized her then because she was wearing a hood.
'But how did this happen? Aslan is sitting next to me with his eyes wide open, why is she only looking at me?'
Ah, it must be that the two of them haven't recognized each other yet, tantalizingly.
Then I have to spoon-feed them.
"Iris, this is Grand Duke Blackford. He bravely fought off the thief. Do you remember?"
"To call me so familiarly..."
But it seemed that other parts resonated with Iris.
"Can I call you comfortably too? I've wanted a pretty and lovely younger sister like Vivian for a long time."
"Of course, that's..."
"Don't even think about refusing. Iris is your older sister, so treat her with respect as your senior."
The Duke, who had been showing an uncomfortable expression all along, intervened.
"You caused great trouble to His Highness with a fake will and tarnished the honor of our family, yet you don't even say a word of apology. Your shamelessness is beyond words!"
Ah, now that she thought about it, she hadn't thought about being scolded by the Duke.
Vivian quickly lowered her gaze. She didn't forget to make a pitiful expression to show that she was sincerely reflecting.
But the Duke's anger did not subside in the slightest.
"I personally rushed to the Imperial Palace to meet both Their Majesties to resolve this situation. Especially how embarrassed the Empress was, can you even imagine it with your lacking brain!"
"......"
"You are not qualified to be a Grand Duchess. I have personally requested a breakup from both Their Majesties. Know that both of them have permitted it!"
Really? Then I don't have to get married now? My father is the best!
Excited, Vivian raised her head sharply.
The Duke twisted his lips as if he was satisfied with Vivian's reaction.
"Why, are you surprised? This is not the end. I have found a marriage partner that is truly suitable for your reckless behavior."
"A marriage partner?"
"You will marry Border Count Nicholas within this month and go to the border region. His Majesty is very concerned that a national meritorious subject is widowed and alone at the age of fifty. It is a glorious thing for you too..."
"Who decides that?"
Just as Vivian was starting to feel something was wrong, Aslan's voice rang out eerily.
"Who decides to send Vivian away."
"His Majesty has permitted it. I heard that a decree has already been delivered to Your Highness stating that the marriage is not allowed."
"Ah, so that's how it is."
Tap, tap - Aslan's finger tapped the table rhythmically.
That was all, but a pressure like a ticking time bomb dominated the atmosphere.
"I'm not a very patient person."
"Cough, cough."
"I heard that the Border Count's fourth wife died this time. They say it was an unfortunate accident... but what was it really like? I think you would know, Duke."
What, how did she die?
Vivian was curious but couldn't bring herself to ask. Aslan's eyes were turning red. It was a warning sign.
In this case, it was best to lie low, but the Duke, who did not realize this, went even further.
"I will introduce a better woman to Your Highness instead. My daughter Iris here is chaste and well-mannered, unlike Vivian."
"Hoo..."
Aslan tilted his head and scanned Iris as if he was appraising her.
His expression froze colder than ice, but no one realized that fact.
Eventually, Iris, unable to bear it any longer, jumped up.
"No, I don't want to. Are you going to make me a shameless woman who steals my sister's fiancé?"
"Shut your mouth. How dare you interfere in a place where important family matters are being discussed!"
"This is strange. Father said Vivian was a cunning and scary woman, but the person I met in the South was definitely kind...!"
Slap, Iris's head turned sharply. The Duke had slapped her cheek.
Iris couldn't withstand the shock and fell weakly to the floor. Horrified, Vivian ran to her.
"Sister, are you okay?"
"Why is this..."
"Rejecting the Imperial order is treason! Vivian's marriage partner has already been decided, so it's not something you can interfere with!"
The Duke suppressed Iris with his authority. She was afraid of the Duke's appearance, which she had never seen before, and hid in Vivian's arms.
Alex's opposition was no exception. He even made a fuss and was dragged out of the banquet hall.
The Duke, who had silenced the two, turned his gaze to Vivian this time.
"Swear in this place that you will marry Border Count Nicholas."
"......"
"Why are you silent? Do you need to be hit to come to your senses!"
"Yes, hit me instead. If you have the ability to do so."
"How dare you talk back?!"
He seemed to be blinded by excitement. The Duke seemed to have completely forgotten about the guest and threw a wine glass at Vivian.
But when she dodged it nonchalantly with her dynamic visual acuity, the Duke's face turned even redder and bluer.
"Insolent...! I need to beat you and lock you up in prison to come to your senses!"
The Duke, unable to contain his anger, raised his hand to Vivian. It was at that moment that Aslan, who had stood up at some point, grabbed the Duke's wrist.
