Chapter 295

Seriously, it was such a chaotic morning that my head was spinning.

Milia, who had cried herself to sleep, was sent back to her room by the maids.

She seemed curious about what had happened here, but I had no intention of telling her. It’s not like it was anything good.

As for Damien, who was still passed out… well, that’s not my problem. Florence will handle it. He’ll probably wake up by the afternoon, right?

After finishing up the mess, it was already time for lunch.

My stomach growled fiercely, clawing at my empty insides.

I’m hungrier than I thought. Did I move around too aggressively on an empty stomach? Anyway, I need to eat something.

…But showing up at the dining hall like this would be a nuisance.

After beating up Damien, I was drenched in sweat again, and the dust from the training ground clung to me, making me look a mess.

Not exactly the ideal appearance for dining with others.

I wiped my face and upper body with a towel from the training ground.

The once-pristine towel instantly became stained, and I couldn’t help but sigh.

I just took a bath not long ago, and now I’m back to square one… I’ll have to wash up again.

But not now. I don’t have the energy to go back to the hot spring right now.

I can only imagine the looks on people’s faces if they saw me walking into the bathhouse like this… Just thinking about it makes my head spin.

All I wanted was to enjoy an early morning soak in the hot spring. How did things end up like this? It’s all Damien’s fault.

Yeah, that’s right. Damien’s the problem. He’s so clueless, it’s almost impressive.

I handed the now-ruined towel to a maid and left the training ground to head back to my room.

…It felt like walking through a thorny path.

As I walked down the hallway, everyone I passed gave me these weird, knowing looks.

They all kept their mouths shut, probably sensing my discomfort, but I could tell those damn rumors had already spread far and wide.

—

Finally, back at my door, Freide’s maid, Ellen, was standing there politely.

Apparently, Freide had invited me and a few others to breakfast.

After asking her to wait a moment, I went inside and used a damp towel to clean the parts I hadn’t wiped earlier.

It’s not as good as soaking in a tub, but at least I’m somewhat clean now.

I took out my academy uniform from the closet, got dressed, and followed Ellen to the Paleun family’s private dining hall.

I must have been the last to arrive, as familiar faces were already seated at the table.

Leonor started giggling the moment she saw me, while Rain bowed his head apologetically.

And then there was Freide, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

She looked well-rested, but her expression wasn’t exactly welcoming. She looked like she was about to burst out laughing at my predicament.

“You’re late, you cradle robber.”

“…Cradle robber?”

What kind of ridiculous nickname is that? Did you come up with it?

Just hearing it gives me chills. I’d rather be called the Daffodil Goddess… no, actually, both are terrible.

“The rumors are all over the castle. I’ve heard about the Ka’har tribe’s marriage customs involving abduction, but stealing your friend’s lover right in front of them? And someone two years younger? That’s just ruthless.”

Wait, how did that rumor spread throughout the castle in just a few minutes? Are the maids that efficient at gossiping?

Why is the speed of gossip so fast here? Do people in this castle have nothing better to do?

Seeing my twisted expression, Freide grinned like she was having the time of her life.

“Ah… poor Milia…! All those years of shared affection, only to be cast aside for a woman you’ve known for less than half a year! And to think, that woman was someone you trusted as a friend…! What a tragedy. You’ve lost both love and friendship! The pain of heartbreak and betrayal she must be feeling…!”

Freide dramatically stretched her hand toward the sky, her tone exaggerated like she was in a play.

She looked like she’d been waiting for this moment, her face filled with glee.

“…Stop with the nonsense.”

You might be joking, but I’ve been dealing with this mess all morning.

If Milia were here, she’d probably have another breakdown. It’s a good thing she’s still asleep.

“Hmm. Even Isabella wouldn’t do something so cruel. You’ve proven yourself superior to that witch in every way, my lady!”

Leonor nodded at me with a look of trust, her smile so wide it almost reached her ears.

What’s with you?

Since when is it okay for you to joke about Isabella?

“Who would’ve thought the Daffodil Princess, who’s rejected countless suitors, would have a taste for younger boys…! Pfft, ahahaha!”

“I don’t have that kind of taste! Damien’s the one who barged into the women’s bath again!”

I tried to defend myself, but it was no use against the two women who were now laughing hysterically.

They probably already knew the truth but were just teasing me for fun!

Even Rain was chuckling quietly with his head down.

I can’t even punch them like I did Damien…!

In the end, all I could do was sigh.

Fine, laugh all you want. It’s better than scowling, I guess.

Even though it’s just a rumor, it’s so funny…! How on earth did things get to that point…!”

Once Freide started laughing, she couldn’t stop.

I know, right? How did it even come to that?

“Not only did you not explain the situation, but you even disappeared with Damien. It’s like you’re begging people to misunderstand you.”

…Yeah, it’s all Damien’s fault.

He had to go and spout nonsense about it being the “first time” or whatever, and I was so flustered that my mind went completely blank.

“Thankfully, Duchess Pailoon ordered a gag order out of concern for your reputation, or else you might have been forced into an engagement with that boy. Or maybe… was that what you wanted all along?”

“Don’t be ridiculous…!”

Just the thought of it is horrifying.

Marrying Damien? That would be a world where none of us—me, Milia, or Damien—would be happy.

Wouldn’t it just turn into some bloody wedding?

“Seeing how disgusted you look… it makes me think of that saying, ‘Strong denial is strong affirmation.’ Even if it were a passionate love story, it’s not a good rumor for an unmarried lady, and since it’s not even true, I did what I could to keep it under wraps for your reputation… Did I do something unnecessary?”

Freide shrugged and smiled.

It wasn’t that she thought it was unnecessary—it was obvious she just wanted to tease me to the end.

“No, I should thank you for that. At least that ridiculous rumor won’t spread any further.”

Though it seems like it’s already spread pretty widely… but since the Duchess herself declared it a baseless rumor, it probably won’t spread any more.

“Who knows? People might not talk about it openly, but…”

Freide tilted her head and trailed off, a sly smile still hanging on her lips.

So, it might calm down on the surface, but behind the scenes, it could keep spreading…

What a bleak thought.

—

Putting aside the now laughable story, we started seriously discussing future plans over the breakfast the maids had brought.

Compared to my little… well, let’s call it a minor hiccup, there were far more serious and important topics to discuss.

Like the size of the reinforcements being sent from the capital, or when they might arrive.

“The Imperial Army… probably won’t come. They’ve already sent two legions, and the remaining ones are stretched thin just maintaining order within the Empire.”

“…Lady Leonor. You’ve been using honorifics with me, but there’s no need for that in private. I’ve heard you’ve stepped down from your royal status… We’re not strangers, and honestly, it’s a bit awkward.”

“…If that’s what you wish, my lady.”

Freide’s words seemed to catch Leonor off guard, as she tilted her head slightly and blinked.

“I should be grateful for your generous consideration. Speaking casually is much more comfortable for me too. I know I need to adapt now that I’ve shed my royal status, but… having lived as royalty for over a decade, it’s surprisingly tricky to drop the formalities now.”

“I’m sure you’ll manage.”

A smile crept onto Leonor’s face as she looked at Freide.

I remember her making the same expression when I spoke casually.

Leonor, who admires confident and down-to-earth people, must have been thoroughly pleased with Freide’s attitude.

“Anyway, it seems the only forces we can count on are my father’s troops. If they’re at full strength, we might be able to push back the beastmen… but when exactly will they arrive…? Have you heard anything?”

Unfortunately for Freide, who was eagerly asking, both Leonor and I could only shake our heads.

“I have no idea. I was practically dragged here as soon as I heard the news. How would I know about Duke Pailoon’s marching speed or when they left the Vennes territory? You wouldn’t know either, right?”

“That’s true. All I heard was that Prince Leopold’s forces are returning to the capital after their victory in Vennes territory.”

“That’s vague…”

Clearly unsatisfied with the answer, Freide furrowed her brow and lightly tapped her chin. Leonor simply shrugged.

“…This is just my speculation, but the reinforcements might arrive much later than expected. The battle in Vennes territory was no small skirmish—the enemy forces had practically overrun the entire city. Even for the northern army, marching here immediately after such a battle wouldn’t be easy.”

I made it here in just three days, but that’s because I pushed my horse to the limit, treating it like a disposable tool after feeding it stimulants.

Unlike them, I was already resting in the capital when this all started.

It’s practically impossible for an army of thousands to move like that.

So, it might take much longer than expected for Duke Pailoon’s reinforcements to arrive…