You are at the End of the Downfall

Beatrice was startled by the sudden unfamiliar voice that interjected. Yes, unfamiliar.

It was unfamiliar that Peon’s voice was so polite towards a woman other than her. It was unfamiliar that he was speaking respectfully to that ugly Kaela de Chasser, the annoying little sister who used to whine and follow him around every day asking to play.

Beatrice was not as naive as Kaela, to the extent that she had to double-check to whom and how that statement was directed. You speak respectfully to her, who’s always been boring to play with, always pathetic and uninteresting and dull?

“Your Highness is still receiving treatment, isn’t she? The investigator sent by His Majesty will be coming soon, and you need to recover well until then. You’ve already walked too much today.”

“I’m fine.”

That phrase again. How can we correct that habit of casually claiming to be fine when she’s clearly not?

Peon suddenly wanted to erase Beatrice Ravalley, who always appeared abruptly in Lusenford making everything uncomfortable, from here completely. Because then it would be comfortable. Because then it would look like he hadn’t committed any crimes.

The shameless mongrel, the dirty bastard who knew no shame, was trying to erase his sins as he pleased. Honestly, it was a very intriguing situation for others.

The people of Lusenford were already accustomed to Beatrice Ravalley, who sometimes came and went here with an expression of helplessness due to the Emperor’s magic tool, or with an expression of exhaustion from the long land journey.

That means they all know what kind of relationship she has with the Grand Duke.

However, the Grand Duke married another woman, the daughter of the very wealthy Duke of Ostein, and after that precious daughter nearly died here, Beatrice appeared again.

There wasn’t even a room to call it a honeymoon between the two of them, again.

“What are you guys doing?”

A scoffing laugh burst out.

“Why are you speaking so formally? It’s creepy… Just speak like you used to! What’s with the formal speech between us? It’s weird.”

Beatrice giggled, holding her stomach. It felt utterly ridiculous to her that people who had played together since childhood would suddenly use formal speech with each other.

It felt exactly like awkwardly playing house, uncomfortably dividing roles like “you’re the dad, I’m the mom.”

It felt like children clumsily trying to act like adults. To Beatrice, this was unbearably strange and funny.

Perhaps it was because the very fact that Kaela and Peon were married seemed strange and ridiculous to her.

“That’s the etiquette, apparently. It’s quite awkward when you haven’t been close for a long time.”

As Peon was about to say something, unable to hold back any longer, Kaela was faster. He didn’t dare interrupt what she was saying.

“I envy how you’re always so free, sister.”

“Don’t you think you’re being too old-fashioned?”

“Yes. I’m envious. Let’s go now.”

Beatrice, with a pale face, just said that and watched Kaela walk gracefully inside. Why doesn’t it sound like a compliment when this girl who has everything says she’s envious?

‘It’s not sincere.’

It’s just the answer Beatrice wanted to hear, and since she would be quiet after hearing it, Kaela just threw it out there.

The moment she realized this, her pink eyes narrowed. No way. There’s no way that dull Kaela de Chasser could have risen to such a level.

That can’t be. Kaela sincerely envied Beatrice and was always jealous.

Because Peon, whom she loved, always looked at Beatrice. The Princess of Ostein never spoke of or acknowledged this fact due to her pride. But now she says “I’m envious” so easily?

“Let’s at least bring the luggage inside. And is there a room to stay in…?”

Kaela muttered, then looked at the head maid instead of Peon, who seemed to have a lot to say. Fabiola Silencester had a troubled expression.

“The situation isn’t good. As you know, we’re renovating all the rooms, and since Your Highness isn’t staying in your bedroom…”

That’s how chaotic Lusenford Castle is, but Beatrice interjected.

“Then which room is Her Highness using?”

Since she was asking the head maid, the head maid had no choice but to answer.

“Her Highness is staying in the Grand Duke’s bedroom, but…”

No, that was exactly what Fabiola Silencester, who was oddly irritated by this fluttering Lady of Monde Duchy, wanted to say.

Why she wanted to say such a thing became clear as soon as the Lady of Monde Duchy’s expression cracked. The head maid felt a bit relieved.

“Peon’s…?”

Sharing the same bedroom? Beatrice’s voice trembled involuntarily. Peon, who had never known a woman except Beatrice – no, in fact, not even her – was sharing a bed with Kaela?

The head maid’s expression seemed to ask what the problem was. The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess are married, so it’s natural for them to use the same bedroom.

Although this arrangement had solidified because Kaela had collapsed and the Grand Duke had, for some unknown reason, immediately carried her to his bedroom instead of the dreadful Grand Duchess’s bedroom, it was still a perfectly natural situation.

Despite knowing intellectually that this was normal, Beatrice was greatly shocked.

It wasn’t for nothing that the Emperor had pressured her to go to Lusenford.

Peon, who should have been thinking only of her, was sharing a bedroom with another woman. There was a problem with the taboo. Then, what use was Beatrice to the Emperor?

“Then that means Her Highness’s bedroom is empty?”

This can’t be. This shouldn’t be. The world was a constant battlefield, and Beatrice had to leap to those heights carrying the burden of an insignificant family, an unsatisfactory position, and even debt.

“Then you can give that room to me. I’m an important person sent by His Majesty, so it’s only natural to give me the best room, isn’t it?”

Therefore, she had to occupy the position of the Grand Duchess, push out the real Grand Duchess, and once again become a useful hostage for the Emperor, a trap to hold Peon’s ankle.

Beatrice Ravalley was inherently shameless and knew well how to grate on people. And because people don’t change easily, she who was always used to being loved couldn’t understand the very situation of not being loved.

Peon felt his self-control completely shatter at that moment.

“Alright.”

While everyone was stunned into silence, and just as Peon was about to open his mouth, a clear voice answered.

“As an honored guest, you should use the best room. Let’s do that. Head maid, have Lady Ravalley’s trunks moved to my bedroom.”

Kaela nodded, still wearing her picture-perfect smile.