Chapter 99

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Serious matters are about to begin! Ha...

I don’t remember how I got back to the palace. When I realized it, I was sinking into the bed. I felt Anna and Bella calling out to me, but my mind was preoccupied with the need to write an invitation to Duke Maximilian. When I was confronted with the contract, I managed to muster some strength, but now I am trembling with regret and fear. I can’t bear the thought of Father being hurt by such a despicable person. I can’t allow him to be subjected to further humiliation, as if he were being whipped in his already deceased body—forming a contract with that man is not what I want.

I feel frustrated, scared, and ashamed—and I am so angry. It seems that my frequent visits to the library had leaked, and that man must have caught wind of it. Since he couldn’t touch me while I was holed up in the palace, he likely coerced someone from the library. The corruption of officials has spread even to such a place; this country is truly messed up. I had heard that as someone deeply involved with Sandis and Latitche, and as a branch of the Kistaria family that does not follow Kistaria, I was a prime target for rumors. I never imagined he would use such despicable methods... the corruption of people has its limits. The man who treats Kistaria as inferior is the most despicable of all. Perhaps, with Father gone, he has become even more unrestrained.

(But... only I can save Father. Only I can.)

Therefore, I have to make some concessions to that detestable man. At least, he is currently on the verge of becoming a royal candidate among the people involved with Latitche. Van, the young man, doesn’t seem to stand out much. From the information gathered on the application of barrier magic, I haven’t heard of him being the type of son that people would admire. In fact, there’s not much talk about him at all.

...That’s why he must have set this trap for me. My heart screams that this is a betrayal of Kistaria and will bring harm to Latitche. But another part of me cries out that I can’t abandon Father. No matter what, I will have to betray someone I love and make a choice. The image of Father floating in a liquid-filled container is unbearable. He doesn’t deserve such humiliation. That crude container is not where Father should rest. Father should rest in Latitche’s mausoleum, in the coffin prepared by Mother Latitche and Kistaria, where he can rest in peace.

With trembling hands, I pick up the pen. The cramped and messy letters scratch the paper clumsily. I don’t want that man’s son anywhere near the palace or Latitche. I don’t want to see him. I wish he would just die. A flood of resentful emotions overflows, a thick, black, and sticky substance accumulating inside me.

Despite these feelings, I rewrite the letter multiple times... and finally, it is done. I want to throw this letter out the window immediately, or toss it into the fireplace. Holding my throbbing head, I slowly stand up from the chair.

Should I give it to Anna? Or Bella? Sebastian and Julius are surely busy.

I want to consult someone and cry out in despair. But my weakness is shameful.

When I open the door, a wall is in front of me. ...What is this?

After touching it, I notice large shoes below and realize there are legs. Tracing them up, I realize the "wall" is actually the muscular torso of a middle-aged man. His broad shoulders, thick neck, and a rugged face with a beard and scars stand out. His single eye is as sharp and menacing as ever.

"...Duke Fortuna, is there something you need?"

"I heard you were acting strange. What happened?"

"There’s nothing to talk about."

Duke Fortuna, who used to be my most hated person, has been replaced by a different branch’s duke. There’s nothing to talk about. Nothing at all.

"Is there anything I can do? Is there anything you want—"

"Deliver this letter to Duke Maximilian."

"...What is this?"

"A letter of misfortune... to me, it is more precious than anything else!!"

I slam the envelope into Duke Fortuna’s chest and return to my room. This is a complete vent. Duke Fortuna is someone I hate, but he’s not to blame. He must have heard from the maids and guards that I was acting strangely. He is worried about me.

Even though I hate him, I’m gradually understanding. He knows I hate him, so he’s trying to help me indirectly, making sure I can move as freely as possible. He’s been working for me without saying anything. He must have been watching over me from the front of my room, even though he couldn’t speak to me as usual.

I knew Duke Fortuna secretly visited my palace and quietly left. Because the room would fill with stuffed animals and flowers. Only toys and stuffed animals that a small child would like, soft and fluffy, and huggable. Uncle Clive’s gifts were mostly floral, including fresh flowers, scented sachets, aromatherapy oils, and sweets shaped like flowers. The difference is surely due to the shallow relationship he has with me. In Duke Fortuna’s mind, Albertina is a crybaby and a scared little girl. Since he has never met me, Albertina hasn’t grown up in his mind. He might still be holding onto the image of the granddaughter he was supposed to meet at a tea party when I was five.

In reality, I am still a naive young girl, unable to use power effectively and being manipulated. I lost my composure in front of Father’s remains and signed the contract. Looking back, I should have rejected it—pretending not to know and calling it a fake would have put Duke Maximilian in a difficult position. Whether it was proven to be a fake or real, it would have been disastrous for him if it became public.

(I am foolish... why, why...)

In the end, I couldn’t even lie when necessary in front of Father and fell into the other person’s trap. The laughter that escaped was self-mocking. I should be treated like a child.

I reach out to a cute stuffed animal that seems to be calling to me. Chappy’s face appears among them, looking at me curiously. I reach out and pick him up. I sit down and cry silently. I feel the weight on my knees; Honey is looking up at me, staring intently.

The face reflected in her large eyes is filled with exhaustion and despair. It’s the face of a loser. I try to form a twisted smile.

The foolish Albertina, will she end up as a puppet? Despite having the grand title of Crown Princess, I am being used by a mere branch duke.

Thank you for reading.