Chapter 27
“I don’t know why you’re curious about that.”
“It seemed strange that Isabel, who should know all about divine beasts, called the leopard a divine beast when she saw it.”
“It was just a mistake! Do you really think I wouldn’t know about the existence of divine beasts?”
She glared at me as she refuted.
“Yes, I emphasized that the ‘black’ divine beast had disappeared to Isabel so she wouldn’t get confused.”
Father nodded, supporting Isabel’s words.
This is still strange.
‘Isn’t it possible they didn’t tell her everything because they’re planning to send her to another country? It would be a problem if she defected.’
That made more sense.
I didn’t ask any further. Now that it was clear Isabel didn’t know about the divine beast, there was no need to dig deeper into that.
“I heard Isabel is going to another country.”
“Yes, it’s a very good thing.”
Father had a satisfied expression. Isabel slightly parted her lips and stared at me. Then, after glancing at Cedric and me holding hands, she spoke to Father.
“Father, would it be alright if I stayed here until I leave for that country?”
“Why would I trust you when you ran away without telling me?”
“That’s… I wanted to get advice from my older sister who married first. And I also heard the divine beast ran away, so I wanted to help.”
Isabel fidgeted with her hands and gave an innocent look. Father clicked his tongue in disapproval.
“You two weren’t on bad terms, but I didn’t think you’d follow her advice so well. Is the Grand Duke alright with this?”
“I believe it is better if she does not stay here.”
Cedric firmly refused.
“Why?”
“A person who will soon go to another country staying at the Grand Duke’s residence, where there were once marriage talks, would only give people more gossip. What will you do if it tarnishes the royal family’s reputation?”
“That’s a valid point.”
Father stroked his chin, looking carefully at Cedric and me.
“As soon as the divine beast is found, Isabel will return to the palace with me.”
“Father!”
Isabel stood up immediately, her face pale as she shook her head vigorously.
“Before I get married, I just want to stay somewhere comfortable for a little while! Can’t you at least allow that?”
I also sided with Cedric and Father, putting on a sympathetic expression.
“Isabel, I’d like to help, but… it’ll only lead to bad rumors about you. So, go back to the palace with Father.”
For a moment, her gaze shifted outside the window. Her tightly clenched fists relaxed, and she gave an unclear smile.
“Alright, I’ll do that.”
The way Isabel suddenly agreed so easily felt suspicious.
I immediately went to my room and wrote a note outlining the plan.
[Go to the farthest place from the North right now and reveal your divine power. Then come straight back here. You’re supposed to be far away, not in the North.]
Her expression was too strange, so she needed to be dealt with immediately. With Father here as well, Isabel’s confidence was probably higher than ever.
I was at a disadvantage since I couldn’t reveal my abilities. If they found out, I’d be dragged off to the palace with no escape.
Being able to communicate with divine beasts was a rare ability. Since no one had ever had it before, if Father found out, the royal family would surely keep me locked up.
I had no intention of going back now.
‘I’ll never go back.’
I quickly opened the window.
Whistle.
I whistled, and a bird flew in as a messenger.
“Chirp! Chirp!” (You keep calling, it’s troublesome.)
The way it complained right after arriving was cute.
Even though it would still do as I asked.
I composed my expression and clasped my hands together apologetically.
“Sorry. It’s urgent. Please deliver this to Zeno.”
“Chirp chirp.” (You won’t call again, right?)
“This is really the last time for today!”
I nodded vigorously as I spoke. Only then did the bird seem satisfied, chirping as it hopped along the windowsill.
“I’m counting on you.”
The bird turned its head left and right before quickly flying out of the window, disappearing in the distance. I pulled the bell right away.
“Where’s Isabel?”
“She’s in the Duke’s office.”
“…Is that so?”
I couldn’t hide my expression. Did she not understand even though I said it? Does she think this will change anything?
I almost wanted to applaud Isabel’s persistence.
“What about His Majesty?”
“They are together now.”
“I need to go to the Grand Duke’s office immediately.”
“R-right now?”
Lien looked surprised, which only made me more determined. It annoyed me, as if there was a reason I shouldn’t go.
“Lead the way.”
My eyes turned sharp. This wasn’t something I could handle with words. I needed to make sure no one dared to challenge me, no matter the rumors.
I took a deep breath and walked confidently toward the office where Cedric and Isabel were.
Standing in front of the office, I spoke to the maid without hesitation.
“Announce me.”
Knock, knock, knock.
“Your Grace, the Grand Duchess is here.”
I opened the door right away. Isabel was sitting with her legs crossed, staring intensely at Cedric. Judging by the serious expressions on my father’s and Cedric’s faces, they must have been having an important conversation.
‘Of course, without me.’
My father had likely used his power on Cedric. He had a lot to gain from it.
It was a relief. If I had shared my plans with Cedric beforehand, it would have already been discovered.
To break this uncomfortable gathering, I needed to take action. The only way to stop them from thinking any crazy thoughts was to firmly claim Cedric as mine. I hated that I had to go this far, but I needed more time for my plan.
And above all, I had to make sure Isabel couldn’t get her hands on Cedric.
I took a deep breath and entered the room.
“Everyone’s here without me, it seems. What’s the secret conversation you’re having?” I said with a smile, running my hand along the sofa. I sat next to Cedric and stared directly at Isabel.
“What do you think you’re doing?” my father said, frowning. He must have been using his power, because Cedric was just starting to snap out of a daze.
I gently took Cedric’s hand and let go, checking his condition.
‘Good, I wasn’t too late.’
If I had been any later, who knows what words would have clouded his mind.
I pretended not to know and asked my father.
“I’d like to ask the same. What’s so important that the three of you are discussing it without me, the mistress of this house?”
Isabel, clearly annoyed by my intrusion, sneered.
“You wouldn’t understand even if we told you. We’re just being considerate.”
I gave a small laugh. They must have been talking about things they didn’t want me to know. The once peaceful and affectionate Grand Duke’s residence was now full of tension because of Isabel.
“I saw something from the window,”
“…What did you see?”
Isabel smiled widely and crossed her arms. The way she held her head high suggested she had seen something important.
“The divine beast. I saw it with my own eyes.”
She tilted her head, smirking. Could she have seen Zeno as he headed into the forest?
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“What if you’re wrong?”
Cedric gently squeezed my hand. He seemed a bit uneasy, but I wasn’t afraid. I reassured him with a smile and softly patted his hand.
I turned to Isabel, putting on an even more confident expression.
“What if what you saw wasn’t the divine beast? You insisted it was a divine beast last time too, and it wasn’t. How can we believe you now? Right, Father?”
Father stayed quiet for a moment.
‘Good, just a little more time.’
At least until the maid arrived.
“…You’re not wrong.”
“If you keep delaying like this and stay at the Grand Duke’s residence, it’ll create bad rumors in other countries. Surely, Father, you wouldn’t want that, would you?”
I pressed on, not giving her any space.
Isabel’s face twisted with frustration. Panicking, she rushed into the main issue.
“Father, I’ve thought about it, and I don’t think it’s right for me to go. Don’t you agree? If I go and tell the truth, it would be a problem for you.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“I’ve been swapped once before, so why couldn’t it happen again?”
I was shocked by Isabel’s words.
Was she openly suggesting swapping the bride?
Her gaze toward Cedric made it clear what she wanted.
“Anyway, the fact that the Grand Duke and my sister are married isn’t widely known. They haven’t even had a proper wedding. If they divorce soon and Cedric remarries, who would criticize them?”
