Chapter 10

As per Prince Maël's declaration, the property was confiscated. However, it seemed that Prince Axel had taken various actions, and my father's title was the only thing that remained.

But even that would eventually have to be returned, as there was no male heir to inherit it.

In the Great Duchy of Monsters, women could inherit, but for ordinary titles, only men could succeed.

Gabriel listened to my story, and I wondered what he thought.

When I glanced at him, he was sobbing fiercely.

"Eh, um, what's wrong!?"

"It's terrible. Such a terrible treatment."

"Indeed, it is terrible, but to cry this much!?"

He must be very sensitive.

It was the first time I had seen an older man cry like this. It felt as if I shouldn't be watching, so I turned away.

He was crying so much that the slimes were trying to comfort him.

"Don't cry, don't cry."

"Good girl, good girl."

"Cheer up!"

"Are you okay?"

"That must be tough."

"There, there, there, there."

"Rain of tears, gently, gently."

When I offered him a handkerchief, he took it and wiped his eyes. His eyes were red. Poor thing.

"But it's okay. The ending isn't that bad."

"What do you mean?"

"My sister returned to the social scene in the neighboring country, her mother's homeland. Her engagement to the Crown Prince was announced recently."

"Is that so?"

The neighboring country is much larger than ours. Being chosen as the Empress in such a country would be the highest honor.

It was a marriage between cousins.

Both of them are sincere and serious, so this time it will probably work out well.

"Didn't you go with your mother and sister?"

"I—"

"Were you worried about your father?"

"No, not at all. Father was fine on his own. He had many lovers to take care of him."

"Then why did you stay?"

"I didn't want to deal with the social scene ever again, I guess."

People who had been kind to me before turned cold as if they had flipped their palms. When I realized what kind of world this was, I was terribly frightened.

But I'm sure it's not just in our country. The same thing probably happens in other countries.

Everyone believes the words of the powerful and lives by their rules.

"In a world where the right and wrong are so clear, yet the wrong prevails."

"Yes, that's how it is. When the powerful claim righteousness, everyone supports them without thinking. That's the noble society."

"Truly, a terrible story."

Two years ago, our luxurious life turned into a simple one.

At first, I couldn't wake up alone in the morning and often slept until noon, holding my head.

Even baking, I would burn the pastries by misjudging the heat, or eat undercooked ones and get sick, or pick up branches from the neighborhood because I couldn't afford firewood. It was a continuous series of failures and hardships.

I managed to keep going because I was determined to be happier than Prince Maël, who had plunged my family into misery.

I had never told anyone this before, but I confided everything to Gabriel.

"You've endured an unfamiliar environment for two years. Not everyone can do that. You are a woman to be respected."

"Oh, respected, that's too much."

"Please don't be modest."

For the past two years, I had been feeling uneasy.

But now, I feel strangely relieved.

Perhaps I just wanted someone to listen to my story and acknowledge my efforts.

"Ah—"

A tear fell.

Two years ago, I didn't cry even when my sister was treated terribly.

Crying in front of others is embarrassing. But I had just seen Gabriel cry so much. It was even-steven.

He was visibly flustered. I felt bad.

The colorful slimes gathered around me and encouraged me as they had done before.

"Sometimes, it's okay to cry."

"Good job!"

"That's right, that's right."

"Good effort!"

"There, there, there, there."

"Good girl, good girl."

"Everyone's tear glands loosen up sometimes."

Encouraged by the slimes, I managed to stop crying. I was grateful that the tears stopped early.

We decided to postpone the trip to Springne for a month.

"I plan to send my aunt here to prepare for the wedding."

"Wedding preparations?"

"We'll need various things like accessories and dresses."

Right. I can't get married without anything.

However, we didn't even have the means to buy a new dress.

"I'll cover the expenses."

"That's too much."

"Then consider it a loan."

"But I have no way to pay it back."

"Why don't you start a business? I'll invest in it."

"Business..."

The only job I can do is baking.

But I don't have regular customers like in the capital. Will it really work out?

"Take your time to think about it."

"Thank you."

As a sign of apology and gratitude, I invited Gabriel to dinner. But he politely declined, saying it wouldn't be right to accept a meal without prior notice.

"Then, another time."

"Yes, have a good day."

As Gabriel left, the slimes followed him, but Purrurun stayed behind.

"Purrurun, what are you doing! We're leaving!"

"Purrurun, I want to stay with Flora."

"What nonsense are you talking about!"

"I want to stay, I want to stay with Flora."

Purrurun wrapped around my left arm and wouldn't let go.

It seems I had been charmed.

"If you don't mind, I can take care of Purrurun."

"But won't it be a bother?"

"Not at all. It will help with cooking and baking, and I'll be grateful."

"In that case—"

Gabriel bowed deeply and said, "Please take good care of Purrurun."

Thus, Gabriel left, being loudly quacked at and fiercely pushed by the ducks.