Viego took another sip of the red liquid, then looked at me with calm eyes. “The land of Windsor, governed by Windsor’s subordinate in our stead.”
He set down the glass. “So, for the past 20 years, the Count of Kuruz’s family has been ruling that land in place of Windsor.”
“Yes.”
“And recently, the monthly reports that used to come every month have stopped.”
“Have you sent a messenger?”
“They won’t even let them inside the territory’s gates.”
I knew what that meant. “It seems they’ve mistaken it for their own land after governing it for so long.”
Tap, tap, Viego drummed his fingers on the edge of the wine glass and spoke calmly. “If I step in, that family will be executed.”
“…”
Right, I was sure of it. If he personally intervened, he would certainly make an example of them.
“How about it? Danae Windsor, known as the saintess, resolving it peacefully.”
Viego leaned back and tilted his head. A strand of platinum hair fell across his forehead.
“A violent approach is not elegant, right?”
“Of course.” I quickly agreed. “I’ll solve it and return. Peacefully.”
And I quickly asked, “If I resolve this matter, I can continue to live and serve in the Windsor family, right?”
“That’s something we can discuss after you return alive.”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
“But don’t blame me if you die in the process.”
Always with words like that…
I wanted to sigh. He really didn’t need to build walls around me. This made me want to tell him that I wouldn’t mistake him for treating me as his younger sister.
“Of course.”
But nothing should upset this sensitive man. So I just smiled brightly.
It was tiring. Now, I really wanted to go back home.
To Yeon Dana’s real home.
* * *
Allice’s POV
Sandra Windsor opened her eyes. And for the first time in a long while, she got out of bed.
She had a dream. A dream about Huan. In the dream, Huan was crying.
“Sister. Windsor killed me.”
“Sister. Did I do something so wrong? I just loved Danae Windsor. I only loved her.”
“My only crime is loving Danae!”
Her heart felt like it was being torn apart, and Sandra covered her face with her hands. Huan, my poor brother.
Her brother was murdered. Ambushed on his way to the court after being expelled from the Windsor family.
I should have protected him. She should have been more proactive in protecting him. But she didn’t. Instead of her brother, she chose Carl Windsor, her beloved husband.
“Sandra, you’re awake. Are you okay?”
Sensing her movement, Carl quickly approached. Seeing his face, Sandra blurted out a reproachful remark.
“You don’t seem to care.”
“Sandra.”
“Don’t you feel sorry for Huan? After neglecting him like that, don’t you feel a bit of remorse?”
“Good heavens, stop it. It’s a thing of the past.”
“We should leave the Windsor family, Honey.”
At that moment, Carl’s brows furrowed in confusion. “What are you talking about?”
“I can’t stand being in the family that killed my brother anymore. Let’s take Rumie and Allice and join the Rolland family.”
“Don’t talk nonsense.”
“My father will welcome you. You know father wants to pass the family to Rumie.”
“Sandra. I’m the deputy head of this family.”
“You are temporarily suspended anyway! Just leave it all. What’s so important about it!”
At that moment, Carl looked as if he had been slapped. “You…” His voice trembled. “Is that all you can say to me?”
“What else do you expect me to say after losing a brother?”
“What more do you want me to say? I consoled you and attended his funeral. Do you want me to kneel at Huan’s grave?”
“Yes! If you had cared for Huan more, this wouldn’t have happened!”
“Sandra. I lost my position as the deputy head because I always yielded to your stubbornness.”
“Why is that all my fault?!”
“…Enough. Let’s not talk about it anymore.” Carl turned away as if he was sick of it.
Sandra burst into tears. He always comforted her when she cried, but this time, he decisively turned his back and didn’t return. And I heard everything from outside the door.
Mom and Dad are fighting like this. Tears flowed freely.
My perfect life seemed to be cracking.
A harmonious family. A loving boyfriend.
I had it all, but…
Everything was perfect.
When did the cracks start?
The turning point was clear.
From the day Sister Dana caught me. Everything started to twist after Sister Dana discovered my relationship with His Highness. Until then, everything was perfect…
It all started going wrong after sister started being angry with me.
It was frustrating and suffocating. Why does sister make everyone else unhappy? If she had just endured and been patient with me, everything would have been fine.
I must do something. I can’t just stand by.
I bit my nails, pondering, then decided to see Brother Viego.
“I heard Sister Dana left for Windsor’s territory this morning.”
“So?”
“I want to go too.”
Brother Viego frowned at me as I bravely spoke up.
“Please let me help with Windsor’s territory.”
I couldn’t let Sister Dana solve it alone. If Sister Dana’s position grew stronger, she might become even more tyrannical.
“What’s the reason?”
“I want to be helpful to the Windsor family.”
“I don’t need your help, Allice Windsor.”
“No, I’ll do my best! Brother Viego, give me a chance!”
But Brother Viego flatly refused. “Leave.”
“B-Brother.”
It was unfair. I left the office feeling dejected.
Why am I ignored? Why does Sister Dana take even Brother Viego’s affection?
“Why are you crying, Allice?”
“Mom!”
I explained everything in my mother’s arms.
Mom listened and declared without hesitation. “Do as you wish, Allice.”
“Yes?”
“Go, Allice. I’ll prepare everything you need.”
“Really?”
“Yes. But I’ll hire a bodyguard for you, so make sure they’re always with you.”
“Thank you, Mom!”
“Thank you? It’s my duty to give wings to my daughter, who wants to soar.” Sandra hugged me and whispered in my ear. “Remember, Allice. You can do anything Dana does.”
* * *
Dana’s POV
“It feels like we’re on a trip, just the two of us.”
It was on the way to Windsor’s territory. I found myself accompanied by an unexpected companion. It was none other than Rumie Windsor.
“Right, isn’t it exciting, Dana?”
Exciting, indeed. But I ignored him.
Why Rumie, of all people?
Before leaving for the territory, I had asked Brother Viego for an escort.
Lethe was away on business. I assigned my secretary other tasks. It was the preparation for the next trade with the emperor. So I asked for a different bodyguard, but…
Why did he volunteer?
Rumie Windsor actively volunteered to be my guard, claiming he had plenty of time after returning from a sea battle and was bored.
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