Chapter 83
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 83
However, Aubrey ignored her and continued logically.
“It is a proposal from the Imperial Family, after all. Refusing it would sour the relationship between House Frezier and the Imperial Family, so it’s only natural.”
It was an answer that left Sophia no room to say no.
At this point, I took a slow look around the room.
First, there was Count Nigella Frezier.
He looked as if he considered this proposal for Sophia a stroke of "luck."
In truth, it was. Had it not been for this proposal, there was an incident that could have blown the Viscount’s house to smithereens.
Since she was only an adopted daughter anyway, he likely thought that no matter how flawed the Crown Prince was, he was a match beyond reproach.
Kiel Frezier, Nigella’s legitimate heir, remained expressionless.
The second son, Kanes Frezier—born to a mistress—was shifting his eyes about, merely reading the room.
‘Come to think of it, Kanes Frezier was on Tedric’s side during the hunting competition too.’
Of course, since he hadn't picked up a bow himself, he hadn't received any particular punishment.
When our eyes met, Kanes flinched and looked away.
‘Let’s keep an eye on him for a bit longer.’
And then…
Sandra Frezier.
‘Sandra is a bit different.’
The daughter Nigella had adopted because he was blinded by love.
Sandra Frezier, a girl who didn't have a single drop of Frezier blood in her—literally a daughter the mistress had given birth to elsewhere and brought along.
She wore a faint, mocking sneer.
What about the twins?
‘They look like they couldn't care less.’
It was almost impressive how they could maintain such faces of blatant indifference.
Lisian was composed, but there was something even more peculiar about an expressionless face where such composure and indifference coexisted.
“Your Grace.”
Just then, Luc Kelposher entered and announced that the elders and key vassals had all arrived.
Grand Duke Asis Frezier stood up from his seat and spoke.
“Everyone, take a short rest and gather at the Grand Banquet Hall at the appointed time.”
“Yes, Father.”
Count Nigella Frezier, being the eldest, answered on behalf of the group. Everyone stood to see Grandfather off.
“Tulia.”
Grandfather called my name.
“Yes?”
“You did an excellent job decorating the hall.”
It was an unexpected compliment.
“It must have been quite a lot of work.”
Even without turning around to check, I could feel the faces of the assistant butler and the chief physician—who had suffered through the hard labor of helping me decorate—brighten instantly.
‘I should tell Adel later, too.’
As the Head Maid, Adel was currently away from the dining room, busy overseeing the preparations for today’s massive banquet.
‘Hmm, for some reason…’
It wasn't just the pride of being praised in front of all these people.
Hearing that Grandfather, the guest of honor for the birthday banquet, liked it…
It made me feel strangely good.
I answered with a genuine smile.
“Happy birthday, Grandfather!”
A rare smile touched Grandfather’s lips.
“And Sophia Frezier.”
Sophia, whose face had been ashen ever since she heard Grandfather’s words, answered hurriedly.
“Ye-yes!”
“Think of a gift you would like to receive and come to my office tomorrow. I will send Luc for you.”
“…!”
For a split second, Aubrey’s complexion brightened like a rainbow.
She quickly returned to the guise of an elegant noblewoman, but I, who had been observing her as intently as a mouse, caught it immediately.
‘Aha!’
Aunt Aubrey?
You’re planning to use the engagement gift Sophia receives to save Tedric, aren't you?
‘Not a chance.’
* * *
“I absolutely refuse! Marrying that monster of a Crown Prince!”
Sophia burst out. Aubrey hurried to soothe her.
“Sophia. Listen to your mother. The only thing that can save your brother now is that ‘engagement gift’ you’re to receive!”
Sophia’s face contorted with resentment.
Only now did she realize everything.
That the sovereignty over internal affairs her parents once held had been snatched away by Tulia.
The dire situation her father, Viscount Lilius, and her brother, Tedric, were currently in.
And why her mother had agreed to her engagement with that Crown Prince.
Right now, her family was truly a candle flickering in a storm!
Aubrey patted Sophia’s shoulder while wiping her own tears.
“Your brother will be your only ally in the future, a reliable supporter for the rest of your life. If he sinks like this, what will happen to our family? To your future? Hmm?”
“But everyone whispers that Crown Prince Ferdinand is a monster who doesn't even grow! They say it’s impossible to even have children with him!”
“You, don't say such things so loudly…!”
A startled Aubrey tried to stop her, but Sophia was trembling with rage.
“Sophia. But think about it. The fact that the Crown Prince cannot have children is actually a good thing for you.”
“How so?!”
“You can just use that as an excuse to take a lover later, can't you?”
“…What?!”
Sophia was so flabbergasted by Aubrey’s words that she shrieked in spite of herself.
“…Uh…”
But.
Now that she heard it, it wasn't exactly wrong.
Still, it was a disadvantageous deal with far too many risks for her.
“But the gift… Father said his was the mining rights to a gold mine…”
The engagement gift Grandfather would give.
Her father, Viscount Lilius, had said he received the mining rights to a gold mine when he got engaged to her mother.
Shouldn't she be able to receive at least something like that?
Noticing Sophia’s thoughts, Aubrey spoke quickly.
“I will buy you everything you want. Besides, receiving something like mining rights isn't necessarily a benefit for you.”
“What? Why…?”
“You’re currently attending the Academy, so it’s difficult for you to participate in business right away. And aren't all the mines Grandfather owns far from the cities? You already suffer from severe carriage sickness, and your Academy studies are hard enough. When would you find the time to inspect such a place? You need to think about what helps you, and us, right now.”
In reality, Lilius had also sent aides instead of inspecting them himself, but Aubrey didn't mention that.
Sophia began to waver.
“But…”
“I will buy you all the beautiful dresses and jewelry you desire. Look. Didn't you love all the gifts I prepared today? I know my daughter’s taste better than anyone, don't I?”
At those words, Sophia had no choice but to nod as if possessed.
‘Mother and Father might have lost their internal power, but they must have quite a bit of wealth hidden away.’
Sophia, of course, had no idea that the jewelry had been pawned to Tulia and the money borrowed from her.
“Then… I’ll ask Grandfather to save Brother Tedric.”
After turning it over in her mind, Sophia decided she should listen to her mother for now.
She could save the family first, then use that as leverage to squeeze out things that were advantageous for her later.
“Yes, yes!”
“But don't we need to save Father too?”
Sometimes, one had to choose and focus. Aubrey spoke with a look of profound regret.
“That might be too difficult. Instead, your father will find his own way out, so let’s save your brother first. If he goes to the border front, he surely won't be able to endure the harsh hazing and will come back a cripple.”
“I understand, Mother.”
With her face finally brightening, Aubrey pulled her daughter into a tight embrace.
“Oh, my good girl!”