Chapter 2

When I woke up, the first thing that jumped into my sight was the unfamiliar bed canopy. For a

moment, I don't what had happened and was confused. In a panic, I tried to sit up but found myself

unable to move, and both my hands were restrained above my head.

“What-...?! Metal shackles, similar to those worn by criminals were clasped to my wrists, and a

chain that’s attached to the shackles are fixed to the headboard. Although my clothes are in place,

the situation doesn’t look good. In fact, it’s very bad. As I broke into a cold sweat, [heard a chilling

voice from somewhere beyond my feet.

*~YourTe awake?’

I followed the direction of the voice and saw Lucilleur, who's dressed in a simple shirt and pants,

sitting in a chair with his long legs crossed and an elbow propped on the armrest, staring coldly at

me with those icy silver-blue eyes.

‘Your Highness......’ Irealised the situation immediately and it was allI could do to stop myself from

trembling. The fact that I was caught meant the worst for my house. I'd failed, and no doubt, I'd

now face retaliation from him. A quick glance around the room confirmed that there was only me

and him. The room is unexpectedly opulent, not something you'd expect for a prisoner. I'd my

doubts for a moment, but the feel of cold hard metal on my wrists reminds me of reality. An

inscrutable Lucilleur stood up and slowly pulled out a knife in front of me.

‘Enjoying the view, Agnés...?”

‘How does it feel to be on the receiving end this time...?’ he asked and climbs up on the bed.

‘If you're going to beg for your life, how about you do it right now...?’ As he straddles my body, he

holds up the knife flauntingly. Seeing the dangerous glint in his eyes, I resigned myself. There’s no

way he'll let me get away with what I did to him, the Crown Prince of this kingdom. Under normal circumstances, I would've been thrown into a dungeon and hanged at best. I'm sure I'll be

humiliated in many different ways. If that’s the case, it'd be better to fall into his hands.

‘see... Very well, I'm ready.’ I shut my eyes tightly as the knife swung down with a swoosh but a

moment later, I felt a shock runs through my body...

But...the pain never come. I opened my eyes cautiously and his face is in front of me. Tthose cold

eyes looking at me as if observing my reactions. On a closer look, I was stunned to see the knife

was a hair's breadth away from me and was stabbed into the pillow. Lucilleur’s beautiful mouth

curved up at my reaction.

*..Did you think...I'll just kill so you so easily?’

‘Well, do I hate you enough to the extent to want to kill you?’ he wondered and pulls the knife out

from the pillow.

‘Don't worry... | won't kill you right away......

‘You-...! Sto-...!! I realised what he was planning to do and frantically tried to twist myself away

from him to escape. But that proved impossible since I was tied up with him straddling on top of

me. Grinning at me, he pointed the knife at my chest and tore apart my clothes and underwear at

once.

a

‘Don't move, Agnés. Ahh...told you not to move. Look, you're injured.’ My fair body was exposed

before his eyes and a sharp pain shoots through my body as his finger runs through the valley

between my breasts. There’s probably a wound. He looks to be enjoying himself as he smiles

gleefully looking at my frowning face. He moves close to where the pain was and the next thing I

know, he was licking the smily wound. The sensation of the pain and from his tongue caused me to

break out in goosebumps.

‘ ..! Your Highness......Sto-.....Mhamm!"

He licked and sucked the wound over and over. At the same time, my body jerked as he scooped

the swell of my breasts from the side. I was expecting him to be rough, but his unravelling hands

were surprisingly gentle and made my body lax. Gradually, my body grew hotter with every lick

and rubs, and a strange ache bloomed at the pit of my stomach. There’s more to the wound than

just pain. This tingling feeling of having my wound licked by him is akin to sexual stimulation and

before I knew it, I was craving for more.

‘Hnngh......’ With the floodgates to my arousal opened, every stimulus from Lucilleur is transformed

into pleasure. He must've noticed the change in me because he looked up at me and smile

maliciously.

*. You're aroused by this? You're a real slut, aren't you?’

et Aahh! When Lucilleur squeezed my nipples with his fingers, an electric current shot through

my body and I let out a throaty squeal.

*..Hnnnnn...Unf ff....... A numbing pleasure assails my body as he continues to pick and squeeze my

nipples. I turned my head away, biting my lip to endure his touch, but he grabbed my chin and

turned me to look him in the eye. ‘Don't bite your lip. You'll leave a wound.’ He forced his thumb

into my mouth instead and stroke my tongue roughly causing another tingle deep within me.

‘Lick it. It's what a girl like you deserves.’ On his order, I wrap my tongue around his thick and

sinewy thumb, licking and sucking obediently. The sound of indecent slurping reverberates in the

quiet room. I soon realised the act of licking and sucking his thumb was making me incredibly

aroused. He stares at me expressionessly. I looked up at him in surprise when he suddenly pulls his

thumb away.

A crease broke through his cold mien when he furrows his brows and stares down at me with

contempt and disgust. Now, that’s a look I'm familiar with. My excitement dissipates in a flash as

the core of my body turned freezing cold. However, I found myself being bitingly kissed by him. I

feel terribly confused.

He’s still frowning even though his icy eyes are now closed and his long silver eyelashes casting a

shadow on his cheekbones. But, what the hell? Why would he kiss a woman who he despised and hates

so much to the point he wants to kill her?

However, my musing was cut short because the sensation of his tongue invading my mouth

abruptly surprised me and struck by the pleasure, my mind went blank. He didn't care if I'd

become still but my body became pliant when he tangles his tongue with mine.

‘Hnnnngh....... He sucks my tongue so deeply that I feel as if my tongue would fall off. I can feel my

mind melting away with each swipe of his tongue against mine. In the meantime, his hands are

crawling all over my body. My body unknowingly shook as he fondles and squeezes my breasts

and I subconsciously opened my legs as if to welcome him.

‘Nnnn...Hah...’ He sucks my tongue deeply once more before pulling away. I saw him looking down

at me when I opened my eyes. He’s still frowning, but his breath’s ragged and I can feel his body is

burning hot. Most importantly, his bright silver-blue eyes are gleaming with lust.

That's right, it’s me he’s desiring. Me. This fact made my body tremble with joy. I surrendered to the

thrilling pleasure and kept my eyes locked to his. Then I realised his hand have creeped down to

my sex.

‘Anh......’ His finger sink inside me with a squelch. My already soaking wet pussy swallowed it eagerly

and trembles from the stimulation given. Clenching tightly, I could feel the presence of his finger

clearly inside. I moaned eagerly as his finger stirs inside me.

*Ahh.....aaah, haah...!’ Lucilleur stares at me like he’s enduring something as I writhes in pleasure.

The furrows between his eyes grew deeper, but there’s no sign of contempt because he’s reacting

to what I'm feeling. When I realised that he was excited by my shameless behaviour, something

broke in me. I let out a high-pitched moan, spread my legs wide and squirms invitingly. Tears of

pleasure well up in my eyes and he let out a small groan when I gaze at him with feverish eyes.

‘Fuck...! This wanton slut! With an unroyal-like curse, he quickly pulls his finger out of me, tearing

off his clothes ina hurry, causing me to feel a sense of satisfaction at his urgency. At least now he

needs me. It’s me who's driving his desire and I was overjoyed even if it’s a heartless desire. Guiding his cock with one hand, he rubbed himself several times against my folds to coat it with my

wetness, then hurriedly put it at my entrance and slowly moved his hips forward.

‘Hngh......’ Slick from my wetness, his cock slipped inside my pussy easily. Suddenly, I remember the

intense pain from the first time, causing me to frown and tensed up involuntarily.

‘Ugh...... Agnés...ease up..... If could, | would've done it from the beginning, but my body instinctively

clams up against this overwhelming pressure that’s invading my body. There’s no pain right now,

but my body remembers it clearly. I'm trying to forget, but I can’t. My body’s just instinctively

reacting to the anticipation of the pain that will come.

I gritted my teeth and squeezed my eyes tightly. Suddenly, I felt my cheeks being wrapped softly

and something soft was pressed against my lips. Lucilleur’s face is in front of me when I open my

eyes. His tongue slipping in through the gap of my lips caught me by surprise that my body

stopped resisting. He took the opportunity to push himself fully inside me. My eyes opened wide in

shock at the feel of him fully embedded inside me.

‘Ah...... Lucilleur stroke my body soothingly as I begin to tense up again. He kissed me on the mouth

and gently stroke my cheek like a caring lover. Somehow, those caring gestures made feel like

crying.

‘_..Does it hurt?’ There was a look of concern in his eyes. I shake my head silently and breathed a

sigh of relief.

Why on earth...? While I was perplexed by his behaviour, he hugged me and thrust hard. Even

though I was getting more confused by the minute, I slowly lose my ability to think as he begins to

move slowly. Beneath this overwhelming pressure that’s pushing my body apart lies the feeling of

undeniable pleasure. My mind went blank with every thrust. I found myself gasping and panting in

tempo with his thrusts. However, I wasn't the only one. Lucilleur too, groaned low with impatience.

Seeing him as affected as I was raised my excitement a notch. Finally, while hugging me tightly, he

slammed into me one last time and spat out his desire deep inside me.

*-Haah...Hah......’

*Ah...... aah...’

We collapsed together on the bed and exhaled roughly. At that moment, I'd forgotten about my

circumstance. Wrapped in his arms in the afterglow of climax, it felt like as if Iwas loved by him

and I reflexively tried to hug him back, but the sound of cold metal on my wrists brought me back

to reality. Lucilleur sat up, startled by the sound. For a brief unguarded moment, we stared at each

other. However, he broke the connection by turning away. He removed my shackles and put on his

clothes in silence before turning away. As I watched him leave the room, I felt an inexplicable

emptiness.

‘Face the other way, Agnes...’

I'm currently on all fours on the bed, naked and wearing a chain around my neck, as if I were his

dog. 1 obeyed by turning around and stuck my butt out.

‘See what you get?”

‘How is it? How do you feel now? Aren't you feeling it a little too much even though I made you do

such a thing?’ He mocked me as he ran his hand down my arched back. A shiver ran up my spine

as he traced the roundness of my bottom.

‘..Tch, you're such a nympho.’

‘Even now, you're still dying for it, aren't you? Well...if you're a nympho, act like one. How about

you shake those hips and beg for it..?”

I'msure he’s excited by this as well. If anything, it’s something he wants because he wanted to

humiliate me to satisfy his own desires. Smirking inside, I spread my legs to give hima clear view

of my pussy, leaned my chest against the mattress, and thrust my hips up at him.

“Your Highness......please...punish me..for my shamelessness....... As I pushed my hips even higher, I

turned my head to gaze at him, showing him my flushed face streaked with tears. Actually, 'm just

as turned on as he was. He stares at me in silence, his frown deepening, before placing his hands

on my hips.

"This goddamn slut"

"Ahhhhhhhh!"

It’s a battle of wills between us. Whoever gets caught up in lust and loses their composure loses.

That's why I won't be hurt even if he dresses me up like this and ridicules me. I'm the one in control

here. That day, he embraced me with a sense of urgency as well and collapsed on top of me after

he came. On my back, I could feel his body heat and heartbeat. Even though he despises me, this

moment feels deeply intimate right now. My heart's barrier is almost broken down by the skin-toskin intimacy. Also, he hugged me so fiercely that I couldn't help but waver. I'm sure he'd done this

plenty of times with his beloved—Lady Lilie Wilsner.

My heart aches at what I’m sure is a subconscious habit for him. Id rather he insult me like before

than be treated kindly like this. In order to get rid of these thoughts, I pulled myself together and

spoke to him.

“Your Highness... How long do you plan to keep me here...?”

If my sense of time serves me correctly, it's been a month since I was brought here. I'd been

imprisoned here the entire time, and he’d embraced me every day. I was expecting him to subject

me to different humiliations as retaliation, but it turned out to be tremendously anticlimactic. He

may believe what he’s doing to me is a form of retaliation, yet while being confined, I'd an

attendant, proper meals, a bath, and clothes. As a punishment, it’s far too light. Was it evena

punishment to begin with? There are even books in this room for me to read.

In the first place, I'm confined in a terribly opulent room. It’s not an exaggeration to say that it’s a

room fit for a queen. To the outside world, I'm simply another favoured concubine, confined by

the Crown Prince because he adores me too much. However, because I'm blocked off from the

outside world, I can't help but be concerned about the state of my house. It’s not wise for me to

make a move until] know what happened to the marquisate. That's why I'm obediently compliant.

Well, on the surface at least, and he’s aware of it. No matter how horrible our relationship was, we

were engaged once. He knows me better than most.

‘Your...Highness...?’ His arms, which were embracing me from behind, tightened as I let out a small

sigh of resignation at his silence.

“ae? wo. AGaaaah!

I let out ascream when he suddenly thrust his hips upwards. Even though he’d just came, his cock,

which is still embedded inside me, is harder than ever. As he devoured me from behind, pleasure

was forced upon me. I was flung mercilessly into a whirlpool of rapture, and I was embraced till

my consciousness went away from me that day.

seater

Days passed without me understanding what was going on outside, and Lucilleur embraced me

relentlessly every day. For the first time, I received a visitor just as I was starting to lose track of

time. It was Lilie Wilsner.

She saw me the instant she walked into the room and frowned in disgust, not bothering to hide her

contempt behind her fan. She sat down indignantly on the sofa, her eyes full of rage as she glares

at me.

Well, it’s understandable.

It may just be an act of revenge for Lucilleur, but for her, who has no idea what's going on, it just

looks like he’s having an affair. To add insult to injury, he even comes here every day. Of course,

she wouldn't be amused. He knew very well and I couldn't understand why he’s acting this way.

Well, they say that in men’s minds, love and sexual desire are two separate things, so I'm sure that

for him, I'm just an outlet for his libido, no different from a prostitute.

Since she just sits there and glares at me without saying anything, I decided to take it easy and

enjoy a cup of tea instead. As one would expect from a royal palace, the tea served here is

exquisite. Even though I'm imprisoned, everything they've served me is of the highest quality. I

really don't get it. Also, I used to be jealous of her, but now that the tables have turned, I've a little

more leeway against her. As I sipped my tea, completely unbothered, Lady Willsner finally spoke

up.

‘You whore...!

Why, I never! That’s not a word for a lady. How uncouth. But this is her true nature. How many

times have I been harassed by her? He probably had no idea what she really was.

‘What kind of hand did you use to entrap His Highness...?!

‘It’s really dirty...!

She began an unladylike diatribe at me, but seeing that I remained unmoved, she returned to glare

at me, her light blue eyes flashing, clearly with the intent to kill. However, the more she hated me,

the more I relished it.

‘Ooh, how scary. Wouldn't it be terrible if His Highness saw you with such a face?’

I gracefully placed the cup on the saucer and smiled sweetly. Her face flushed in response to my

statement, but the next instant, she dumped the contents of her cup on me.

By quickly shielding my face with my hands, I was able to avoid getting tea on my face, but my

dress was completely soiled. I didn’t get burned because the tea was lukewarm, but it was still an

unpleasant experience. When I frowned in discomfort, she put her hand over her mouth and

laughed happily.

‘Oops, could you forgive me? My hand slipped.’

The nerve of her! However, I'm not so forgiving that I'll overlook it. I pretended to remove my tight,

wet glove then ‘accidentally’ let it fly towards her. The soggy glove hit her in the face with a splash.

I smiled at her as she stiffened.

‘Oh dear... Could you forgive me for that blunder? It was wet and clinging to my hand. I guessed I

used too much force when taking it off’

‘But I didn’t expect it to fly towards you that way. Hehehe... But, isn't that just like you, Lady Lilie?

Even a wet glove’s drawn to you.’

She clenched the wet glove in her hand and lost her cool at my insinuation. Just as she was about to

fling the glove at me, the door slammed open with a loud thud. When we looked up in surprise, it

was the Crown Prince who appeared in a hurry. He must've rushed here for his silver hair’s a little

dishevelled. I was taken aback by his unexpected entrance, but the Lady Wilsner’s sobbing

immediately brought me back to my senses.

‘Sob...... Your Highness...’

‘Lady Agnés...she...did this to me...’

She made a sorrowful expression and purposely showed the wet glove I'd flung at her to Lucilleur.

I let out a sigh of disgust at her cheap theatrics.

Anyone who takes a brief look at me will realised that she threw tea at me. But I'm sure he'll blame

it on me. Sure enough, as she sobs, he drew her into a soothing embrace and gave me a harsh look.

Unexpectedly, when he saw me, his eyes opened in astonishment, and he then glanced at both of us

with a puzzled expression.

‘Agnes... what's going-...’

‘Soooob... It's really terrible! She was being awful! Does she have a grudge against me?!’

Lucilleur’s question was interrupted by Lady Wilsner's sobbing, which grew even louder. In

response, he gently hugged her and rubbed her on the back, as if to console her. The way he stares

at her, with those gentle eyes. He has never looked at me like that before.

I felt chilled to the bones just looking at the two of them. When he appeared, I was a little hopeful

that maybe he'll stand up for me. We've been intimate the entire time I've been here, I felt as if

there was something special between us. That's right. I thought maybe, maybe he loves me.

How naive of me. As if he would. He hates me. I'm just someone he fucks for revenge and sexual

gratification. I should've known better, but I decided to believe otherwise.

The pain in my chest became unbearable and I left them there and quietly retreated into the next room.

That night, he came to my room as usual. However, as soon as he arrived, he grabbed my chin and

stared at me wordlessly. After what felt like an eternity of observation, he finally let me go.

‘Theard that you haven't eaten much today. What’s wrong?’

I frown at his question and stare at him. I was surprised. It was true that I hadn't had much of an

appetite after what happened during the day. But why did he know that?

‘Nothing’s wrong...’

‘Really?’

‘Yes.’

‘Youre not trying to hide it from me, are you?’

Persistent guy. I couldn't help but look away from his probing gaze. What is it, really? Who cares

about the health of someone they wanted dead anyway?

‘Nothing’s wrong. Really... Rather than that, Your Highness, aren't you worried that by coming here

tonight, you'll cause more unneeded misunderstanding?’

First of all, he has Lilie Wilsner. If he truly loves her, he should end this kind of relationship with me

immediately. There’s no need for him to go to such lengths to exact revenge in the first place. I

exhaled a big breath and stare straight into the silvery blue eyes in front of me.

“Your Highness, how long are you going to keep doing this?’

“What are you trying to say?’ He narrowed his eyes at me. Unfazed, I continued talking.

‘It’s time to stop. I'm well aware that Your Highness hates me. If that’s the case, why don't you just

have me hanged or something?’

“Why’re you so hung up on this? Why can't you just go to the woman you love and just leave me

alone?!

I finally got it out of my system. I'm worried about my house, but I've reached my limit. Besides, I’m

confident that my father and brother will be able to find a way to get through it. If anything, the

fact that trapped here is more likely to make it more difficult for them to take any actions.

If so...

He grabbed my arm suddenly after staring at me for a while. I stare back at him in surprise, but I

can’t read what he’s thinking.

“You hate me, don’t you?’

‘That's right.’

I knew he hates me, but his confirmation cut me to the core once more.

‘Then...Why...why haven't you dispel the pledge?’

Yes, for some reason, he still hadn't lifted his half of the pledge. In this state, it’s impossible to get

engaged to Lilie Wilsner.

I don't know what's going on anymore.

“Why don’t you hurry up and dispel it? Then you can get rid of me! What exactly do you want from

me, Your Highness?! I shake off his grip on my arm, my emotions running high. But he immediately

grabbed my arm again and lifted me up while I struggled with all my might to resist.

‘No! I hate this...! Let go of me!’ I flail my legs and hit his chest with my fists. However, the disparity

of strength between myself and him was too great. Even if I know it’s futile, |weave a magic spell

again and again, but even that is nullified by the room's defensive magic. He carried me to the bed,

despite my resistance, and looked down at me with those familiar cold eyes.

‘Thate this! I hate this! Stop it!!’

His touch elicits a strong sense of repulsion. Everywhere he touches left me cold. I struggled

desperately, but he pressed down on me, easily robbing me of my freedom, and I despaired at my

own helplessness.

“Your Highness, please...stop......

‘Lucie...please..I beg you...’

Everything I'd endured up to this point burst open the minute I said his childhood name. The

never-ending tears blurred my vision. Not wanting to be seen by him, I turned my face away and

wept quietly. He let go of my hands right away, slowly wiped my face, and held me as it is.

Surprised, I tried to resist, but he ordered me with a forceful tone.

‘Be quiet!’ He shifts his position, cradles me against him, pulls the quilt up and tightly wraps it

around the both of us. For some reason, I was still agitated, and he—Lucilleur, spoke forcefully

once more: -

‘Look! I hate you enough to want you dead, but I won't kill you right away! You'd better suffer as

much as you can! You understand me?!’ Even as he says this, his hands are gentle. He drew my

head to his chest and stroked it gently. That's right, he’s always been this way. If he hates me, he

should've pushed me away firmly, yet he showed me kindness at the last possible moment. That's

why I couldn't bring myself to hate him. But it’s terribly cruel. After all these years of expectation,

he instead chose Lilie Wilsner. He'll never know how despaired I was when I first saw them

laughing intimately together. It was the same for today as well. If he’s going to cut me off one day,

then please leave me alone. Unnecessary kindness gives rise to unnecessary expectations, but it'll

just betray and hurt me deeply in the end. As I desperately try to hold back my sobbing, he holds

me close and softly strokes my hair. Everything was so hard and painful to bear that I couldn't stop

crying, but it’s also a fact that it’s comfortable in his arms. Before long, I fell asleep crying.

He didn't try to sleep with me for the next few days. He’d come to see me but would act all irritated

and say something snarky before leaving. If that’s the case, I wish he hadn't come, but he did, and I

wonder if he’s worried about me in his own way. I really don’t understand him. All he did was

driving me further and further into a corner mentally.

Then, one day, Lilie Wilsner came again. This time, she was accompanied by one of her knight

escorts, and it was someone I hadn't seen before. For some reason, there’s an uneasiness in my

heart seeing him standing behind her. It’s common for guards to stand behind their masters.

However, because I'm being confined, I don’t have any bodyguards to protect me, which means

that if someone wants to hurt me, they may easily do it. An unpleasant imagination crossed my

mind for an instant, but I quickly dismissed it. No matter how terrible she is, I doubt she'd try to

cause a disturbance in the royal palace. Moreover, she'll become the Crown Princess soon,

therefore she can't afford to start a scandal now. With that conclusion in mind, I smiled as I

welcomed her.

‘Oh dear, what can I do for you today?’

‘Tm here to apologise for my rudeness the other day...

Her unlikely meek demeanour sets off warning bells for me, and I'm immediately wary. I don’t

believe she intends to apologise in any way. What the hell is she plotting? At the very least, let’s

avoid anything that she'd prepared. Just as I was thinking this, the lady-in-waiting appeared witha

platter of pastries.

‘This is a pastry from a downtown bakery that’s highly popular right now.’

‘Ilined up early in the morning just to get it for Lady Agnés, you know?’

I'msure she sent a servant to buy it, but whatever. It’s her mouth, she can say whatever she wants.

‘Oh my, lucky me. I looooove sweet stuff.’

‘[know! That’s why I wanted you to try this.’ She smiles sweetly, befitting a perfect young lady.

‘You don't have to forgive me. Ijust wanted Lady Agnés to know how sorry I am...’

The way she looks away, with her eyes downcast, and that little sad look, it’s as if she’s really sorry.

I've always thought that she’s a great actress. Staring at her while considering various possibilities,

Ireturned an equally perfect smile.

‘Idon't what you mean by that. I can’t think of anything that needs forgiving.’

‘Then, Lady Agnés...’

It doesn't appear to be anything unusual with her expression. My conviction grew stronger as I

smiled sweetly while observing her face.

‘However, Lady Lilie, lappreciate you going out of your way to prepare this for me. Thank you.’

I neatly took a piece and popped it into my mouth without hesitation. With its crispy texture and

rich buttery taste, I can see why it’s so popular. I turned to her and smiled beautifully after I

finished eating and drinking my tea.

‘It’s just as you said, it’s really delicious.’

‘Hehehe, I'm glad you like it.’

“Would you like to join me for tea, Lady Lilie?’

‘Yes, that'd be lovely.’

It's ameaningless exchange, yet it must be done. On the surface, we appear to be having a pleasant

conversation while enjoying tea and pastries. I suppose, this is what it means by playing a cat and

mouse game.

In the meantime, another more tea was brought in by a lady-in-waiting, but I spilt it on purpose by

pretending my hand had slipped as I was about to take it from her.

‘It’s hot.

Pretending to be scalded, I retracted my hand, and right then, Lilie Wilsner’s smile vanished for the

first time.

‘Oh...how awful of me... I'm sorry, Lady Lilie, thank you for coming to see me, but I'm afraid this is it

for today.’

‘Tch...you're such a bitch...’ She glared at me.

I knew it. It was just what I'd expected. I can’t help but smile when she finally reveals her true

colours. I didn’t think she tampered with the pastry since if she did, she'd be the first to be

suspected because it was brought by her. I don't think she'd be that stupid as to do sucha thing.

More importantly, I didn’t say anything because I was being cautious, but there’s a good chance

that she tampered with the tea. I didn't think there’s anything wrong with the first cup since it was

prepared in front of me, but the problem lies with the second cup. Although it was prepared by the

lady-in-waiting attending to me, I was convinced that they're linked because it’s odd that Lilie

Wilsner was able to enter were I was imprisoned.

In the first place, this room was set up with a barrier so that only certain people can enter and exit.

After careful observation, I realised that the bangle on the lady-in-waiting’s wrist appeared to be

the key. Judging from Lucilleur’s flustered appearance the other day, it’s unlikely that Lilie Wilsner

has the key to this room. She must’ve come here without permission by exerting the power of her

house.

I don't which faction Count Wilsner currently belongs to, but at least until a few months ago, they

regard themselves as the most powerful in the royal court. That doesn't appear to have changed. It

would've been easy for them to figure out where I was locked up and bribed the servants. The fact

that all of the servants have been replaced since her last visit is a confirmation of this. Nonetheless,

her reappearance today suggests that she has either bribed the servants again, or she has snuck

her own people among the new staff.

Lilie Wilsner couldn't get engaged to Lucilleur since he hasn't dispelled his pledge with me, and so,

to the Wilsners, I'm nothing but a hindrance. The Count desired to strengthen his political power

by making his daughter the Crown Princess, and he wouldn't hesitate to use any means necessary

to achieve this goal. I dropped a silver spoon into the remaining tea in the cup in front of a glaring

Lilie Wilsner who no longer bothered to hide her murderous intent. The spoon turned black as I'd

expected. I showed her the spoon with an exaggerated sigh. As the former fiancée of the Crown

Prince and the daughter of the Marquess, my body is warded with various protective magic. Asa

result, if there're any harmful substances present, the silverware in my hand will discolour.

*..-Poison? Wow, I'm shocked you hate me that much that you want to murder me...’

The engagement pledge between Lucilleur and me will be forcefully dispelled if I die. That must've

been her goal. It’s also probably why she was accompanied into the room by a guard, so that he

could carry my body out. Also, 'm someone who'll be executed sooner or later, and being locked

up here makes it convenient for her to murder me. When I sigh again, Lilie Wilsner raises an

eyebrow at me.

‘Tdon't know what you're talking about.’

‘You don't know...? You've seen this and you're still acting as if you've no idea what I'm talking

about?’

I show her the discoloured spoon and shrugged. However, she just covers her mouth with her

hand and laugh oddly at me.

‘Eww no, that’s dangerous.’

‘Murder? You?’

‘So how do you explain this?’ I fixed my gaze at her, exasperated by her words. She then burst into

a big laugh.

‘Ha ha ha ha ha.I'm not going to kill you’

‘Ijust...want to inconvenient you a little...’

Her calmness gave me a bad hunch, and I hurriedly look behind her. The escort that'd been with

her was nowhere to be seen. I jumped to my feet in arush, but was quickly restrained from behind.

He covered my mouth with his hand and I was unable to move.

‘Mmmph!

‘Ha ha haha ha! You've let your guard down, haven't you?!

‘ r

‘Just so you know, that...wasn't a poison. It’s an... aphrodisiac, if you get what I mean.’ She appeared

ecstatic to tell me that, delighted that she’d managed to outwit me. Her personality’s truly terrible.

‘Don't you think His Highness will come to his senses when he sees you in bed with another man?’

“uw

‘I went to the trouble of preparing the aphrodisiac for you, but I don’t believe you need it, do you?

Ha ha ha... silly me, a slutty person like you wouldn't need it in the first place, because you've

already seduced His Highness with your body.’ Despite the situation, she’s tilting her head to the

side and smiling cutely at me.

‘Please...enjoy yourself to your heart's content?’ I became increasingly anxious when she stood up

softly with a smile after witnessing me struggle against the escort. At this rate, Ill be raped by this

man if I don't do something. It’s a little late to worry about my chastity after what I did with the Crown Prince. But still, I was able to do it because it’s him. I'd rather die than have any other man

touch my body. More than anything, my pride forbade me from allowing Lilie Wilsner to defeat me

like this. How much more does she want to take away from me? Isn't it enough to be loved by

Lucilleur? All my prior thoughts hit me at once, dying my vision red with hatred.

The next moment.

A wave of magical force erupted from my body, and at the same instant, a stormy gust swept

around me.

“Arrrgh!!’

‘Kyaaaal!’

The guard was slammed against the wall and crushed by the flying furniture. As for Lilie Wilsner,

she too was slammed against the wall, and collapsed to the floor like a trampled flower. My magic

went out of control, having been triggered by my intense negative emotions. But it only lasted a

few seconds for the wind stopped abruptly. I let out a ragged breath and slumped to the floor,

having released all of my magical power at once.

My raging hatred subsided along with the magic outburst, leaving me with little strength in my

body. But I need to get out of here as soon as possible. Lilie Wilsner appears to have passed out, but

her escort’s still writhing around despite being crushed by the furniture. I need to get away before

he come crawling out and catch me again. I forced my shaky body to stand. The room door

slammed open at that very moment, pining me in place with surprise.

“Your Highness...’

Once again, he’d rushed here ina hurry since his hair's dishevelled, and sweat coated his brow.

However, his eyes grew grimmer as he took in the state of the room. I'm really stupid. For a

moment, I believed he’d come to help me, but seeing his reaction painted my heart black.

When | looked about calmly, I realised he couldn't see where the escort was lying from his vantage

point. Allhe saw was me standing alone in the shambled-up room, and Lilie Wilsner collapsed

against the wall. Sure enough, he hurried towards her as I looked at him, feeling grim.

“What's this all about, Agnés?’ He asked me sharply as he kneels down and lifts Lilie Wilsner in his

arms. His accusatory look at me made me feel as though everything had lost its meaning. In any

case, he’s not going to believe me.

if everything has become meaningless. He’s not going to believe me anyway. He'd believe her if she

told himI was the one who attacked her. He'd side with her because he loves her. I'm the one who'll

be discarded by him once more. The next thing I knew, I was turning on my heel and and starting to

run.

“What are-?! Agnes!!! Wait!!!"

My dress clings to me and my legs are tangled as I run desperately towards the window. Normally,

the window leading to the balcony is closed, but this is no longer the case due to the impact earlier.

I stepped on the broken glass, ran out onto the balcony and dashed to the balustrade. Below me, I

could see the garden’s lawn and the rose bushes in full bloom. I definitely wouldn't survived if I'd

fallen from here. Feeling the wind on my face for the first time in a long while, I felt surprisingly

good and slowly turned around. I noticed Lucilleur, who'd followed me ina hurry by the window.

When I smiled softly at him, his eyes widened in surprise. He must've realised what I was about to

do. In a panic, he rushes towards me, his hand outstretched. But, before he could reach me, I

climbed over the balustrade and threw myself over.

T/N: CLIFFHANGER! ™_ 7

To be honest, I wish the illustrator-san drew the scene where Agnés throws herself over the

balustrade while looking sadly at Lucilleur. Then the other half the page would show Lucilleur’s

stricken face and his hand outstretched. Sadly, we don't get. What a waste. This LN is more

expensive than normal as well, (I paid almost 1300 yen for Volume | when usually its around 600~

yen or cheaper if you go to a secondhand bookstore for a hardcopy) I'd expected a lot of

illustrations, but minus the cover, there’s only SIX illustrations! I sad clown...