"My~ Such an energetic little sister I have... So much that it's sickening for me to bear."
I smiled bitterly, a sweet sickening smile that made her cute furious face even angrier.
Her violet eyes glowed with unsaid wrath, ready to erupt at any moment.
"You're trying to meet the Crown Prince on purpose, didn't you?!"
(Ah, so she thought I was looking for the Crown Prince. Let's play along for a bit. Since, I'm bored anyway.)
"Oh? Is it that obvious?"
With a mischievous smile, I questioned her, and she balled her hands into fists.
"How dare you!"
"........."
"Didn't you realize I'm the most qualified candidate to marry the Crown Prince?"
"And I'm sure you're aware that you're not the only candidate, Riona."
"... You-!"
Another familiar voice emerged before she could even yell at me.
"What's with all this commotion?"
Riona's eyes lit up and immediately turned her head to father, the Duke of this Dukedom.
"D-daddy!"
Riona's eyes welled up with tears as she hurried toward her father, who was walking calmly to the garden.
(Ah, here comes her habit of crying.)
"Riona? What are you doing here?"
Father lifted his brow at her as Riona simply shook her head and shifted her gaze to me.
"Did you know that while you were gone, your sister Verena visited the Imperial Palace?"
As his attention was drawn to me, Father's eyes widened. When our gazes collided, I stood up from my seat and gave him a polite curtsy and a charming smile.
"Greetings, father. It is such a lovely day, isn't it?"
I greeted him politely. As he always, he seemed displeased. Even in my first timeline, the way he looked at me the moment he sent me off to the Imperial Family to be experimented off didn't change one bit.
(As always, father, that expression of yours is unpleasant.)
"Verena, what is the meaning of this? Why did you go to the Imperial Palace on your own?"
His gaze was frigid, his voice was harsh and authoritative as he questioned.
"Father, she-"
Before Riona could even finish her lines, I beat her to it.
"Please accept my apologies, father. I visited the palace to see Azazel von Elysian, the second prince."
When I stated Azazel's name, his eyes widened.
"That second prince?"
"Yes."
I replied with a smile.
"What business brings you there? And who is that man standing behind you?"
"Father, it's a young love affair. That man behind me is Azazel's faithful knight, Theodore Clayton, whom he entrusted to protect me as a way of expressing his love for me."
Every one of us was enveloped in silence. Even I could tell that Theodore chokes on air the moment I said that.
"... Young love affair?"
"Yes. Sincerely, I fell in love with the second prince at first sight. It was unexpected that he reciprocated my feelings."
"Would you tell me what you're doing right now?"
"Please bestow your blessings on our engagement."
"Verena!"
His loud, powerful voice cleared the air as he looked at me furiously,
"What nonsense are you saying?!"
"... I'm sorry if it upsets you, father."
For a long time, the Dukedom of Zielle has always been neutral. Father has also decided to change those by getting Riona married to the Crown Prince.
Besides, I could care less if Riona married Drystan von Elysian, the Crown Prince. Since, I have to admit, they're both made for each other.
But if I were to say now that I like the second prince who was abandoned, I wonder what father would do.
He wouldn't give me his blessings, of course.
"Do you even know what you're talking about, Verena? The second prince is-"
"Father, I'm sorry for being rude but-"
I sat back in my seat and adjusted my position to make myself as comfortable as possible.
"Mother told me I could marry whoever I wanted."
My abrupt statement about my biological mother caught both father and Riona off guard.
I'm sure father will be against this marriage. But, if I bring up mother in the discussion, I'm confident he won't be able to refuse me.
"She also writes it down on a piece of paper with the Zielle's seal. She, who is a direct bloodline of this Zielle family."
This is one of his weaknesses.
The fact that he is not a direct descendant of the Zielle family and is simply married to a young Zielle lady.
Despite being a duke, in reality, he does not possess much authority.
That's why I'm able to stay alive and well in this house, thanks to my relatives, who still regard me as the only true successor to this Dukedom's blood.
Father can't do anything without me.
"Then, my dear father. I will repeat it once again."
I smiled at him as he looked at me with a distressed expression.
"Will you kindly give us your blessing for my marriage with the second prince, Azazel von Elysian?"
Silence.
He didn't say anything, but his demeanor indicated that he was in serious trouble. Even Riona is leading for him to approve of my sudden marriage.
I mean, who couldn't blame her?
She loves the Crown Prince. What's more is that she won't regard me as a threat after I marry the second prince.
"Father, I'll give you a week to think everything over."
I rose from my seat and turned to face Theodore, who remained silent throughout.
"Let's go, Theodore."
He obediently followed his way behind me, nodding his head.
"I'm anticipating a good response."
I walked past him and Riona on my way into the mansion with Theodore.
I also need to assure Theodore that I have no intention of betraying or deceiving Azazel so that he can have faith in me.
Gaining more allies and their trust is a lot more meaningful to me. It comes with a lot of benefits too.
"I'm curious as to what you're thinking right now, Theodore."
I said, trying to break the silence between us and trying to get him to talk since he's always been quiet.
"........."
"I'm kidding, of course. Please don't give it too much thought."
-
[A Few Days Later]
"W-what is this...?!"
While reading out the letter from that second prince that had been given to him a few minutes ago, the Duke remarked with a menacing glare.
[Dear Duke Lorcan Zielle
Although this appears to be a little too direct, you are aware that I am a person who will simply go to the point.
I want to ask your daughter, Verena Zielle, for a hand in marriage and properly propose to her.
I'm certain she's the one person with whom I'd like to spend the rest of my life.
Sincerely, Azazel von Elysian.]
As the Duke clenched his teeth in rage, his hold on the letter tightened.
The fact that the letter has no room for rejection or argument makes him stressed enough by the situation.
He put the letter on his desk and walked out from his room, approaching Verena's room.
However, he ran into his son, Aldrich, who was on his way to his office.
"Greetings to you, Father. Why are you in such a rush?"
"... That brat Verena is acting just how she wants!"
"Sister Verena? What exactly did she do?"
"She had to be planning something with the second prince. They're both planning on getting married."
Aldrich's eyes widened in response to the unexpected information he had just received.
"The second prince? I don't remember sister and the second prince being close enough to get married."
The Duke twitched his brow as he remembered Verena's sly smile, which reminded him of his previous wife, the late Duchess of Zielle.
"That what's I'm talking about."
-
"Milady, a bouquet has been sent to you."
A happy, sentimental smile crossed Nesrin's face, my personal maid who taken care of me since I was little.
She held out the bouquet which was practically overflowing from her arms.
(That's a lot of roses.)
"Can you tell me who sent this?"
"It's his highness the second prince."
(Azazel?)
"Thank you, Nesrin."
I returned her smile as I took the bouquet of roses from her and lifted the bouquet to my face.
(They're lovely and smell wonderful.)
I walked over to the table and set it down.
(So he's getting into action now, huh? I suppose I should as well.)
"I'd like you to do something important for me, Nesrin."
I smiled at her and she nodded her head, her eyes glittered with excitement as I chuckled.
"Would you give me information regarding the Vad Clan?"
Nesrin's eyes widened but she didn't question me further and merely nodded her head in obedience.
"I understand, Milady."
Vad Clan.
A clan consisting of individuals who possess strength beyond those of ordinary humans.
The only clan that does not have elemental power but can cause harm to an elemental user.
A clan that was forced to obey the Imperial Family.
If they were to disobey, then they're prepared to lose their heads as a punishment.
Vad Clan, the dog of the Imperial Family.
"What do you think about the Vad Clan?"I asked while taking a sip of my cup of black tea, enjoying my stay at the second prince's palace.It's been three days since my father and I had that pointless argument. So, I decided to visit Azazel today to discuss the Vad clan.When I mentioned the Vad clan to Azazel, who was sitting in front of me, he raised his eyebrows."The dog of the Imperial Family? Since I don't have the acknowledgment from the Emperor, I do not receive anyone from the Vad Clan to assist me. However, I am aware that they pledge loyalty to the Imperial Family."At least three or four members of the Vad clan were given to each member of the Imperial Family.Azazel, on the other hand, did not receive anyone since he was not recognized by the Emperor."Why do you ask about that clan?"I laughed as I set the cup down on the table and gave him a teasing smile."Since we're going to rebel soon, we need supporte
[Ciel Casino]I turned my gaze toward Theodore, who appears like a lost small child. The sight made me chuckle as we both entered the casino after saying our fake identities to the workers."Is this your first time at a casino, Theodore?"I asked with a slight smile as he nodded his head as an answer."Follow me."As we passed the people gambling with the money they are so proud of, I led him to a quieter area.Also, because it's Theodore's first time in such a place, he appears enthralled."A casino, as you know, Theo, is a location where certain sorts of gambling are permitted. Every kind of rotten person gathered here like mice."He was only a step behind me as I stood at the corner."Ciel Casino. This is my father's casino, which he established under a fake identity."I witnessed people wasting their time, money, and lives at this casino.In my previous life, when I was sixteen years old, I discov
[2nd Prince's Palace]Azazel's grip on the paper tightened as he read the details from Verena, while Verena, who sat across from him, maintained a calm smile."...... Are you saying this is the 'entire' plan until the rebellion...?"Azazel raised his head, his gaze meeting Verena's calm aquamarine eyes."Yes, I have already calculated everything. Things that might or might not happen were also put into consideration."Azazel chuckled, and soon he stifled a laugh, a satisfying laugh."That's what I expected! Lady Verena Zielle... You took advantage of my previous plans, merged them together with your own, and came up with this idea! Isn't that right?!"His enthusiasm was on point as Verena had expected, since Azazel is that kind of person.She knows well that he wouldn't stay put after reading her whole plan.(.... This plan... is too perfect that I can't even put it into words.)He narrowed his eyes at her as he p
"Open a way for us, Theodore." After the three of them discovered a thick wall that separated the Imperial Palace's territory between the Vad Clan's, Azazel turned his gaze toward Theodore. "I understand." Azazel and Verena took a step back as Theodore nodded and walked forward. "Do it silently." Theodore nodded in response to Azazel's words and took a deep breath before slowly raising, then slamming his hand on the ground beneath them. Azazel and Verena's eyes widened in surprise as the ground underneath them abruptly broke open and fell down without warning. "......!" However, neither Azazel nor Verena screamed. Because they know the knights will locate them if they make a single sound. (So much for being quiet...) Verena thought, her vision darkened by the new, unfamiliar sight. "Are we inside the ground?" She asked, her attention fixed on the ground because she couldn't see anything i
"It's him."Veren exclaimed as Azazel nodded in response. After they spotted him, Azazel handed one silver cent to pay the bartender beforehand."Thanks for the drinks. The rest of the money can be your tip.""Ah yes, thank you."The bartender nodded. Soon, Verena and Azazel rose from their seats, starting to walk past Ethan."We'll be waiting for you in front of the tavern, Ethan Vad. Be as quick as possible."Azazel whispered as they passed each other. Ethan didn't have time to react before Verena showed Ethan the Imperial Family crest. Ethan's confused expression had become shocked. As they continued to walk out of the tavern, his gaze could only follow them.-After showing themselves to Ethan, they had been waiting for him for a while until their target finally came for them."Who are you, exactly? Why did you have the Imperial Family crest...?"He questioned, his eyes narrowing as he looked at them. It was a
"... A date?"Verena's brow furrowed in response to Azazel's offer, who sat in front of her, nodding his head several times as if overwhelmed by his own joy.(Well, I don't have anything planned for today... But, why is he requesting a date?)She drew her eyebrows together, her gaze focused as she pondered the date offer.(Is it a code of some sort? Or did he plan something for the rebellion and use the date as an excuse?)Verena was a little taken aback by the offer, but because Azazel suggested it, she'd accept it as she thought he may want to offer or talk to her about something important.Meanwhile, Azazel was visibly shaking, fearful that Verena would reject him over such a trivial matter.(... I'm hoping she'll agree to this date... I made sure I had everything ready in case something went wrong, and Olivier made sure nothing did. Now it's up to her to respond.)He nervously holds his own hands while waiting for Verena's
(Eh, this taste...)I thought this while I continued to chew my sandwich, which had a crack as I bit into it, causing my brows to twitch.(...... W-what did I just-)Azazel's gaze was filled with anticipation as I carefully raised my head.(... Why is he staring at me so intently...?)When I took a bite, the sandwich in my hand trembled slightly."... Azazel.. Who made this sandwich?"I asked, attempting to maintain control of my expression while trying to avoid chewing everything in my mouth, which resulted in a muffled question.Azazel, on the other side, flushed again as he seemed to understand my question."I... I'm the one who made it."He responded shyly as I almost choked on the food.(H-he made this sandwich?!)I've never felt so uneasy over a situation in my whole life.However, after seeing Azazel's sparkling eyes stare at me, I couldn't bring myself to say it wasn't pleasant.
[2nd Prince's Palace]As he looked at Azazel, who was lying on his bed with a high fever, Olivier's eyes widened in surprise."You're kidding, right? Why did you get sick in the middle of nowhere with a fever?"He questioned, his brow furrowed, but Azazel twitched his brows in irritation as he tried to catch his breath.(I also can't believe I was so horrified that I had a fever as a result of a single kiss. Might as well just die.)Azazel thought, as he wished to die of embarrassment after recalling the events of their date the day before.(Ugh... My first kiss with Verena happened in front of a candy store in town.)If Azazel could, he would go back in time and stop it immediately before it happened.He wanted them to kiss for the first time at their own wedding. He wished for it, but it was crushed.His grip on the sheet tightened.(... Who the hell pushed Verena to the point where we kissed by accident?! When