Chapter 48

"Being able to make servants work effectively is a true talent of a noble. Cordelia, you are much more capable than you think, and you are doing a great job."

"…Thank you. But…"

Being praised by Jist is pleasant.

It’s pleasant, but I mustn’t misunderstand.

(Compared to Prince Leonhardt and the high nobles, I am lacking in many ways.)

Honestly, Cordelia had a certain level of confidence in her practical skills.

…But that was only as a countess’s daughter.

As Leonhardt’s fiancée and a central figure in national politics, Cordelia’s small confidence was wavering.

As a countess’s daughter, it was enough to know the surrounding fief and domestic politics, as well as a certain level of foreign affairs.

However, as a crown princess, she still lacked knowledge, education, and experience in everything.

(Prince Leonhardt was often sick as a child, and even now he has the issue of regression, yet he is much more capable than I am.)

Talking with the well-informed him was enjoyable, but it also brought a sense of frustration that wouldn’t go away.

Does she really have the ability and qualifications to stand by his side?

The frustration that wouldn’t go away lingered in the depths of Cordelia’s heart.

(It’s not just Prince Leonhardt. Princess Letitia, the fiancée of the Eltria Crown Prince, is younger than me, but I hear she is so excellent that her reputation has even reached our neighboring country.)

Compared to him and her, who are impeccable in both lineage and ability, Cordelia lacks too much.

Leonhardt is kind and wouldn’t blame Cordelia, but the thought of ever seeing disappointment in those emerald eyes made her heart ache uncontrollably.

"Cordelia, I understand what you are thinking—"

"Cordelia-sama, I apologize for the intrusion."

Interrupting Jist’s concerned voice, a servant rushed in.

The servant, usually quiet and considerate, now looked flustered.

"What’s wrong?"

"Kidnapping! Nini and the others have been kidnapped!!"

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"Princess Femina, you’ve really done it this time."

In the carriage on the road, the maid muttered.

Receiving the news of Nini’s kidnapping, they were rushing back to the capital’s countess’s residence.

"Despite Lady Cordelia’s leniency towards the various harassments, to repay kindness with ingratitude..."

The maid’s voice, though silent, was filled with disdain.

Though she didn’t say it out loud as it would be disrespectful to the royal family, her raised eyebrows spoke volumes of her anger.

"Don’t be angry. Princess Femina has her own reasons."

"Even if she is Prince Leonhardt’s sister, Lady Cordelia is being too lenient. I think her kindness is admirable, but—"

"…I’m not that kind at all."

As she calmed the maid, the carriage’s vibrations gradually weakened.

"What’s going on? We still have a bit of a distance to the carriage stop at the mansion, right?"

Calling out to the driver, she received a response.

"Princess Femina’s carriage is there. It seems to be waiting for us inside the mansion."

The driver’s voice was half-confused, half-angry.

Cordelia checked the situation outside the window, stopped the carriage, and entered the mansion.

"Princess Femina, good day."

At the sound of her voice, Femina’s shoulders twitched.

"…"

"What do you want by kidnapping Nini and the others?"

As she asked, Femina averted her gaze.

"…It’s your fault!! It’s because you cling to the position of my brother’s fiancée!!"

Even as she was scolded and turned pale, Femina didn’t seem to change her mind.

"…If you step down from the position of my brother’s fiancée, Nini and the others will be returned safely. Give up already."

With a trembling voice, Femina got into the carriage waiting by the roadside with her attendants.

Watching the carriage’s silhouette grow smaller, Cordelia sighed and entered the mansion.

"I apologize, Cordelia-sama. Nini and the others were taken by Princess Femina’s people."

"How long has it been since Nini and the others were kidnapped?"

"Only about half a day. They seem to have sneaked in during the early morning when the guards were changing shifts. A letter was left on Nini’s bed."

Reading the letter handed to her:

‘If you want Nini and the others back, come alone to the designated place tonight.’

It was a suspicious but straightforward message.

"That’s despicable. Using Nini and the others as leverage…!"

The maid clenched her lips.

She knew how much Cordelia cared for Nini.

The maid herself also fed Nini, and she couldn’t forgive the kidnappers.

"…Don’t worry. I’ll bring Nini back safely."

"Cordelia-sama?!"

The maid’s eyes widened.

"Surely you don’t intend to follow the letter’s instructions?!"

"That’s exactly what I intend to do."

"It’s dangerous, please don’t! This is clearly a trap! I know you care for Nini and the others, but going to the kidnappers alone is reckless!"

The maid’s concerns were valid.

She tried to stop Cordelia, even at the risk of displeasing her.

"If you must go, I will disguise myself as Cordelia-sama and go in your place!!"

"It’s okay. Leave it to me. Because I won’t be alone."

"…What?"

"Prince Leonhardt is secretly taking action on this matter."

—That’s why Cordelia could remain calm.

Thank you for reading.

The next chapter will be updated tomorrow, Sunday, at noon.