Chapter 5

This is from Elina's perspective, the heroine of this work.

When Elina returned from the castle to the duke's residence, she was finally able to relax. In the salon, as the maid prepared her favorite tea and snacks, the tension in her heart gradually eased. The mansion was one of the few places where Elina could be herself without worrying about others' gazes.

Elina, the daughter of the Duke of Lithaard, had been educated from a young age to become the future princess and then the queen. She was always under the scrutiny of her peers, who saw her as a role model, and the noblewomen of society, who evaluated her. Since the incident, she had received even more attention. Even today, as she walked through the castle, she could feel gazes from all around. Although they were more restrained because she was with her father, the duke, these gazes were not particularly friendly. Most were sympathetic, and some even showed disappointment at her inability to discipline the crown prince. Just thinking about these gazes made Elina's expression cloud over.

"Miss... Are you alright?"

"...Yes, I'm fine. Thank you, Sara."

"Miss..."

Elina forced a smile for Sara, her maid, but it was clear that she was putting on a brave face. Sara had been with Elina since she became Gerard's fiancée. Elina knew it was impossible to hide her feelings, but her pride as a lady made her reluctant to admit it.

As the daughter of a prestigious duke, being worthy of her status was Elina's purpose in life. She was taught to support her husband, the king, while also upholding his position. Showing her true self was something a noble lady should never do.

However, when she entered the academy and met Lillian, a baron's daughter, her values began to waver. She learned that Lillian had been loved by many, not just Gerard. This meant that many young noblemen found women like Lillian attractive. The fact that Lillian was often kept at a distance by her peers might have been a reason why the young noblemen were drawn to her.

Lillian had soft, pink hair and a petite stature, making her seem very vulnerable and in need of protection. Elina didn't know her well, but it was clear that Lillian lacked the proper etiquette and manners expected of a noble lady. Despite this, the young noblemen still preferred her.

"Was I wrong?"

"Miss, did Lord Belfias say something to you?"

"No, he... didn't say anything."

The only question asked was whether Gerard's words about the incident were true. Belfias didn't ask anything about Elina herself, and Elina only asked one question.

Elina didn't really know Alvis that well. Alvis Rubelia Belfias, now known as Alvis, had returned to the Rubelia royal family. He was the king's nephew but, being the second son, he didn't inherit the dukedom. After graduating from the academy, he joined the knights. Despite his noble blood and good looks, he had often been sought after as a husband by many noble families, but he always declined. There were many speculations about this, such as having a secret lover or being in an unrequited love.

"Prince Alvis clearly said he has no lover and no one he admires."

"Is that so? It's hard to believe that someone like him has nothing."

"Yes... He also said he had no intention of getting married. Perhaps, if not for this incident, he would have continued serving the country as a knight without ever starting a family."

Elina was sure of this because she heard it from Alvis himself. The rumors were just rumors, and he spoke to her as if it were nothing. The fact that he had no lover was a relief for Elina. After the Gerard incident, she couldn't bear the thought of him loving someone else. Even if that day would come eventually, she couldn't handle it now.

"I felt relieved to hear that he has no partner. Really..."

"...Miss"

"I'm not fit to be a princess... I probably didn't truly accept Lillian. I just thought I should. I told the prince that I accepted her, but that wasn't true."

Perhaps, deep down, Elina looked down on Lillian. As a duke's daughter, she felt she should be more magnanimous towards someone of lower status, a baron's daughter. In truth, she wanted someone to love her the way Gerard loved Lillian. Ideally, she wanted that someone to be Gerard. That was her true feeling.

However, like many young noblemen, the one they found attractive was not Elina but someone like Lillian. A cute and vulnerable woman. Elina's education had never included such qualities.

"I'm envious... of Lillian. Maybe Prince Alvis also prefers women like her."

"That's not true!"

"Can you be sure? The only reason I can be the future princess is because the queen favors me. Without that, Prince Alvis might not even consider me."

Elina had lost her confidence. She realized that all her efforts to be a proper lady were meaningless. If she hadn't received the princess education, would Gerard have chosen her? No, even if he had, she couldn't have behaved like Lillian. So, no matter what she did, Gerard would have chosen Lillian.

"Miss, you are a wonderful person."

"Sara?"

"No matter what the immature ones say, there is no one more suitable to be the princess than you. To be frank, he is just not seeing reality. If someone without proper education becomes the queen, negotiations with foreign countries will fail, and the country will be in trouble. It's an impossible situation."

"Sara..."

Sara was quite angry with Gerard, which made her speak harshly. But what she said was not wrong.

"Miss, I don't know Prince Belfias well. But if he is someone who would make the same mistake, I am prepared to speak up for you."

"Sara... thank you. Your support is enough."

"Miss... I believe one thing for sure: Prince Belfias is older than her and won't make foolish mistakes. He understands his lineage and has chosen to serve the country. Everything will be fine. He will understand your efforts."

"...Yes, that's true. I would be happy if that were the case..."

Gerard was different. Even if she wasn't loved, she just wanted someone who would accept her. After being hurt by someone, all Elina wanted from Alvis was just that.