Chapter 4

Surrounded by men, Catherine's chastity was questionable, and if she were to conceive a child other than the crown prince's, it could potentially lead to a usurpation of the throne. Diana, who had earlier thought it strange to send a capable daughter to a convent, now understood that the judgment of the Meteora baronial family was indeed correct.

"Even though you hardly ever come home, stop acting like you know me!!"

"I hear that you do not recognize Catherine as your sister and rarely return to the territory?"

"…Did you attract His Highness's attention by saying such things?"

Leopold looked at his real sister with a bitter expression. If the other party were not the crown prince, he would have brushed it off with "It's an internal matter," but now that it was exposed to the public, he would have to clearly deny it to avoid a bad reputation for the baronial family. Leopold sighed as if resigning himself and explained the reason.

"Catherine and I are twelve years apart. Soon after she was born, I came to the capital to attend the academy. Since then, even during holidays, I have stayed in the capital and worked."

"Why don't you come home?"

"During the New Year's holiday, many people return home. I volunteer to be chosen as personnel to prepare for unforeseen events."

"What is the reason for that?"

"The pay is higher than usual."

In the Kingdom of Stern, adjustments are made so that servants can take turns on vacation during the New Year. However, not a few poor people give up their holidays to work. If we consider that Leopold had been working in the palace since his student days, it must have taken extraordinary resolve for a 12-year-old boy to work for nearly 15 years without returning home.

"You are even more of a money-grubber than I've heard! Choosing money over your sister!"

However, the crown prince, who had lived without considering others, scolded Leopold as if he could not understand. There were probably other students who reduced their trips home to work, but not to the extent of Leopold.

"My remittances support the Meteora baronial family's living expenses, and part of it is used for Catherine's living expenses in the capital. It is unjust to be called a money-grubber for filial piety earned through legitimate means."

Leopold clearly denied the crown prince's words, and his words were indeed reasonable. He had worked diligently in the palace and sent his earnings to his family, with part of it used for his sister. For Catherine, who was not the heir of a wealthy baronial family, attending a school in the capital was a luxury. If she had attended a school in their own territory or a nearby city, her living expenses could have been much lower.

"Anyway, it is decided that Catherine will enter the convent."

Leopold moved to take Catherine away, indicating that he had nothing more to say. However, Catherine, still unconvinced, shook him off and shouted.

"No! Why!? Because I am the daughter of a prostitute!? Should people of low birth not be happy!?"

The words "daughter of a prostitute" caused a commotion among the onlookers. While it was widely known that she was the daughter of the baronial family, no one knew about her mother. The mother of the Meteora siblings was different. Leopold's mother was from another baronial family, but Catherine's mother was a second wife and a former prostitute. Of course, Diana knew this and had never expected Catherine to be welcomed into the royal family, given her background.

*Slap!*

However, before anyone could react, Leopold slapped Catherine's cheek. Raising a hand to a woman was barbaric. Diana, who had intended to rush to Catherine's aid as she fell to the floor, was held back by her friends. Her mouth, which she had opened to protest, closed instantly when she saw Leopold's expression.

"Do you despise your own mother as lowly!!"

Leopold glared at Catherine with a sharp gaze, a stark contrast to his usually expressionless and cool demeanor.

"Even knowing that she lives with a sense of guilt towards you, how can you say such things!!"

'That person' referred to Catherine's mother. He seemed more heartbroken than contemptuous when speaking of his stepmother as a prostitute.

"Your Highness, what did Catherine say to gain your sympathy?"

"Kitty said she was called the daughter of a prostitute by her half-brother…"

Leopold, still staring at Catherine, asked the crown prince without turning his body, which was considered disrespectful. However, the crown prince, thoroughly intimidated by his presence, answered honestly. Given his previously calm and polite demeanor, it was understandable to be frightened by the depth of his anger.

"I have called Catherine's mother a prostitute only once in my life. I said it when I accompanied her to the academy's enrollment ceremony. I told her, 'Since you cannot change your mother's background, live a disciplined, clean, and serious life to avoid such slander.'"

It was a proper admonition to his half-sister. In a world where nobles often exploit others' weaknesses, it was a sound way to navigate life.