Chapter 15

Stepmother Ekaterina's request was to have Eric mediate and gently separate Jil, who had been meeting with Duke Belkline at night, in a peaceful manner.

However, Eric is a man of strong justice, so he would never condone infidelity.

I gently conveyed this to Ekaterina.

"I didn't think you were so heartless. Is it that unpleasant for you to act for Jil?"

"No, that's not what I meant—"

"Then please help your sister. She is your only sister, after all."

"I want to help too. However, if Jil is indeed cheating, telling Lord Eric would be counterproductive."

"It's your job to persuade him, isn't it?"

Before I knew it, Ekaterina, who had been humble, had become quite domineering. Probably because I didn't easily accept her request and agree to use Eric to resolve the matter.

I don't intend to abandon Jil, but if she is cheating while engaged, I can't help but question whether it should be easily forgiven, not only by Eric but also by my own moral standards.

Ekaterina should take her daughter's actions more seriously.

"Shouldn't we confront Jil directly? While being careful not to make it public. Then, we can have a private discussion with the Belkline family... After all, if it's true that she cheated, not reprimanding her—"

"That's impossible! That child is more delicate than you! If we confront her suddenly, she might get hurt and even commit suicide!"

No, someone with such a fragile mind wouldn't cheat, especially sneaking out of the house at night.

Moreover, a discussion between the two parties is essential to resolve this issue.

Even if we get Eric's help, Jil will still be reprimanded for her infidelity.

"Even if Lord Eric intervenes, since Jil is a party involved, it's impossible for her to come out unscathed."

"No, Prince Eric can contact Duke Belkline discreetly and persuade him to break up with Jil without anyone finding out. He will ensure she isn't hurt."

It seems her thinking is more naive than I imagined.

Ekaterina, out of her love for her daughter, wants to resolve this without Jil being hurt at all.

—Frankly, that's impossible. Absolutely impossible.

I'm starting to feel ridiculous. Thinking about how to save a sister who has always disliked me just because I'm a saint or an older sister.

"Can't you understand that it's impossible to leave Jil completely unharmed? If you care for her, you should make her reflect on her actions."

"Are you a monster? Jil is a good girl. This time, it must have been Duke Belkline who tempted her; the innocent child wouldn't have understood anything."

This is always how she is.

She starts with the premise that Jil is a good girl and never doubts it.

If Jil does something wrong, it's always someone else's fault.

Jil's character is a result of Ekaterina's unconditional approval and her forcing the same view on the servants.

"Cheating can't be done alone. Jil is also at fault. If you truly want to help her as a mother, you should make her reflect on her actions."

"What! Just because you became a court lady! Don't get so full of yourself! I'm done! I won't rely on you!"

She threw the money on the table and stormed out of the shop in anger.

What should I do now?

I can't pretend I didn't hear about Jil's affair with Duke Belkline—

"Mrs. Westria was quite angry, wasn't she?"

"Yes. Given the nature of the consultation, there were parts I couldn't compromise on."

"Hmm, what kind of consultation was it?"

"That—. —What!? Eric, Your Highness!? Why are you here!?"

Eric, who had approached me naturally from behind, spoke, and a few moments later, I turned around in surprise to find him in the shop.

"Hey, Reia. I came to pick you up because I was bored."

"Rinsha, I want to try this pancake."

"Hmm. I'll have a rice ball."

Eric was dressed in civilian clothes, and similarly disguised, Rinsha and Johan stood behind me.

Please don't come to my subordinate's drama just for entertainment...

"So, what was the content of the lady's consultation? Given her character, if she consulted you, it means she wants you to arrange something for her—"

—As always, he is sharp.

What should I do? Should I tell him honestly, or...

While being stared at by his beautiful eyes, I was lost in thought—.