Randall had been glaring at the documents in front of him for about fifteen minutes.
He was in Randall’s room in the castle. He tried to work as usual at his desk, but he couldn’t concentrate at all, and the contents of the documents just wouldn’t sink in.
And it was all because of the man who appeared yesterday claiming to be Sophia’s father, Gasur.
Randall had long suspected that Sophia was a fake princess, but he didn’t believe Gassoul’s story from yesterday.
He found it hard to believe that there would be any connection between a maid who worked inside the palace and a gatekeeper. Moreover, it was well known that Sophia’s mother, Rizete, had a close relationship with the king. It was unthinkable that while the king was in such a relationship with Rizete, another man – a common gatekeeper at that – would be involved.
First of all, if Sophia really was Gasur’s child, why didn’t he pursue her when Rizete was expelled from the castle? It seemed strange that he did not know her whereabouts when she left without saying anything. He had claimed that he didn’t want to cause trouble to Gasur because Rizete was pregnant, but was that really the case? It would be more believable if Gasur had abandoned Rizete when she became pregnant.
“…Why am I only thinking about the possibility that that man is not Sophia’s father?”
If Sophia was Gasur’s daughter, it would be so convenient for him. He could keep Sophia away from the king, and he could even annul their relationship. There would be no need to keep watching over her. It should be all good for Randall.
Randall stood up from his chair.
It was no good. He wasn’t getting much work done today. He called in the maid to make him some tea so he could take a break.
He was investigating Gasur, but it was for employment records of a gatekeeper from more than sixteen years ago. It was doubtful if any records were still kept.
If that man had any malicious intent towards Sophia, he would have to deal with it promptly, but he couldn’t do anything because he didn’t know anything.
When Randall pressed on his temples because his head was aching, there was a knock on the door, and when Randall opened it, his cousin and the first princess, Keira, was standing there.
“What’s the matter?”
Randall invited Keira into the room and told the maid to prepare tea and sweets for her.
Keira looked up at Randall, somewhat gloomy, as if to ask for advice.
“Randall. I heard that Sophia’s real father has appeared. Is that true?”
Randall was surprised. Yesterday, when Gassoul showed up on the way back from the Duke of Revord’s mansion, everyone, including the coachman of the Duke of Voltio, had already been told not to tell anyone, so she thought there was no way it would have leaked out, but where on earth had he heard it?
Keira’s eyelashes trembled sadly.
“I was surprised… I’m sure Father must be shocked too.”
“The King? Or rather, where did you hear about it?”
“It’s all over the place. It’s all over the place, so Father must have heard about it.”
“It’s all over the place…”
Where on earth had it leaked out? And to think it was already a rumor within the castle. The maids and ladies-in-waiting at the castle love gossip, and if something had leaked out, it would have spread quickly, but it was still too early.
“Keira, we’re still investigating this matter. We don’t know the details yet, and we don’t know if the man is really Sophia’s father.”
“…Do you think it’s not so, Randall?”
“I think there’s a good chance that it is.”
“…I see. But you’ve always suspected that Sophia is a fake, haven’t you? So you still think it’s not so?”
Keira was a little dissatisfied.
It was understandable. Keira seemed to have been treated coldly by Sophia. She would probably be relieved if Sophia disappeared from the castle. But if Sophia was Randall’s wife, they would have to meet at social events. Perhaps she was fearing that.
“Keira. I’m keeping a close eye on Sophia. And wasn’t it clear that Sophia was not involved in the red wine incident at the last party? It’s okay not to be so scared.”
“…It’s not like I want to get rid of Sophia…”
“I know. You’re not the kind of girl who would think something like that. But you’re worried, aren’t you?”
“…A little. But what if Sophia’s real father shows up? I thought maybe living with him would make her happier. And… If Father found out that Sophia wasn’t his daughter, how hurt would he be… I’m worried about that.”
Keira poured milk into her tea and took a sip with a sad look on her face.
Keira is kind, so she’s probably feeling bad for Sophia, who has been through so much, and for her father, the king.
“I’ll look into this, so don’t worry.”
To comfort his kind cousin, Randall nodded confidently.
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Translator Note:
Hello there! This is RJR. I hope you liked it <3
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