Estelle Will Not Forgive a Second Time: The Condemned Noble Lady Returns in Elegance to Dance with the Incompetent Prince - Chapter 11

It has been several weeks since I defeated Clarissa in the social circles.

Though I expected it to cause a major upheaval, my daily life hasn’t changed much.

However, my reputation in society has undoubtedly risen, and whispers of “Estelle Grandier is no ordinary lady” have started circulating.

“Phew…”

Taking a sip of tea in my private chamber, I let out a quiet breath of relief.

Even surrounded by the Grandier family’s exquisite furnishings, I’ve remained in a constant state of vigilance deep within my heart.

The embezzlement scandal involving Clarissa—which, in truth, was the misuse of illicit funds by the Victor faction—has led to the arrest of one conspirator after another.

The topic has been dominating high society day after day, and more nobles and young ladies have begun approaching me, hoping to “hear the full story.”

I suppose it can’t be helped, but being the center of attention isn’t exactly easy.

Despite my pleasant smile, I’m constantly having to maneuver behind the scenes.

In this second life, my goal is to completely dismantle the Victor faction.

To do that, I must maintain the appearance of a well-mannered young lady while preparing for the next enemy.

“…I suppose it’s time to go.”

I drained the last of my tea and set the cup down.

Today, I’m scheduled to meet Lord Leonhardt in a small room located in the detached wing.

He said he had some new information to share with me.

I hurried down the corridor and opened the door to a secluded room at the far end of the estate.

It was a modest space, seemingly converted from an unused storeroom, and I had instructed all members of the Grandier household—except for those I trusted implicitly—not to approach it under any circumstances.

“Estelle, you’re here.”

Lord Leonhardt, already inside, turned to face me while seated in a chair.

His pale blonde hair swayed slightly, and his usually drowsy eyes now carried a glimmer of seriousness.

“My apologies for the wait, Lord Leonhardt. I understand you have new information?”

I offered a polite bow, and he rose to his feet with a deep breath.

“Yes. As you suspected, Captain Rodolphe of the Knights has been making suspicious moves. I looked into it myself and found that my brother has been giving him secret orders behind the scenes…”

I knew it, I thought to myself, frowning slightly.

Rodolphe—a name I heard shortly before my death in my previous life.

Based on that, I had suspected early on in this life that he was a key figure in the Victor faction… and it seems I was right.

“So, it’s come to that. Just as I anticipated, Lord Rodolphe is indeed a member of the Victor faction.”

I stated it matter-of-factly, and Lord Leonhardt widened his eyes slightly in surprise.

“You realized Rodolphe was serving my brother? I had no idea, perhaps because I’ve had little interaction with him.”

“Well… while reviewing some of the financial documents, certain connections became apparent. There were a few suspicious signs.”

In truth, I remember that, just before my death, the Knight Captain had been snooping around me.

Of course, I could never say that, so I have to come up with a plausible excuse.

“So then, what exactly is Lord Rodolphe after?”

When I asked, Lord Leonhardt responded with a serious look in his eyes.

“Most likely, my brother has ordered him to assassinate you. When I investigated the knights’ activities, I noticed that some were training in small, isolated groups, and there was talk of forming escort teams. It’s probably an attempt to stage an ‘accident.’”

So, it’s come to this, I thought.

When I brought Clarissa down, I knew this outcome was inevitable.

Now that I’ve uncovered evidence of embezzlement, Victor would never stay silent.

“An accident during a carriage ride or a walk at night… It’s a simple plan, but the royal knights could pull it off effortlessly.”

I gave a bitter smile.

It’s not as simple as just increasing the number of guards.

The enemy consists of elite knights trained in the royal castle, and they’re operating under Victor’s orders—the man widely regarded as the next king.

“What should we do? Even if we increase your guards, there’s no guarantee anyone can stand against knights from the royal guard. And even if you stay at home, you might still be targeted eventually.”

Lord Leonhardt folded his arms, deep in thought.

Certainly, staying at home would make it easier to secure the premises, but that’s only a temporary measure.

Besides, I need to act if I want to exact my revenge—barricading myself in is not an option.

“This is problematic. There will be times when I absolutely have to go out… If they target me while I’m riding in a carriage or walking at night, I wouldn’t stand a chance.”

Letting out a small breath, I began formulating a countermeasure in my mind.

To stop the Victor faction’s assassination attempt, I need solid defenses and a way to strike back.

“You’re right. Well then… perhaps it’s finally time for me to take action.”

As I sat lost in thought, Lord Leonhardt unexpectedly spoke in a light-hearted tone.

His sleepy eyes gleamed with a subtle sharpness.

“I suppose it’s time for me to step onto the stage, Estelle. Since I’ve already become your accomplice, it would be boring to remain in the shadows forever.”

“Does that mean… Your Highness intends to serve as my bodyguard?”

Unable to hide my surprise, I asked, and he responded with a soft chuckle.

“Yes. If everyone continues to underestimate me as the ‘useless prince,’ all the better, don’t you think? If there’s a risk you might be killed, then it only makes sense for me to stay close and protect you.”

“But… what about your own safety? If you openly oppose Prince Victor, you could become a target yourself.”

I asked cautiously, and Lord Leonhardt gave a carefree shrug and laughed.

“Thanks for your concern. But if I let fear for my own life stop me from standing beside you as you dance so gracefully, that would be terribly dull.”

He uttered those charming words so smoothly that I felt my heart skip a beat.

Hearing him use the word “graceful” so naturally was almost unthinkable compared to his previously apathetic demeanor.

“…Very well. If you insist, I would be grateful. After all, if I were assassinated, your own goals would be at risk.”

Just as I was about to offer my thanks, Lord Leonhardt waved his hand lightly.

“No need to be so formal. We’re accomplices now—feel free to rely on me more.”

Those innocent words warmed my heart for a moment.

Even though I knew he was offering to act as my bodyguard for my sake, I couldn’t help but feel genuinely happy.

“Thank you, Lord Leonhardt. In that case, please guard me whenever I must act.”

“Understood. Starting tomorrow, I’ll stay by your side. No need to fear the knights—I’ll handle them with force if I have to.”

His words, like those of a dependable knight, filled me with both embarrassment and reassurance, and I gave a deep nod.

Having Lord Leonhardt as an ally is truly encouraging.

In my previous life, I never had someone to protect me like this—now, that impossible wish has become reality.

“…Still, Captain Rodolphe is a formidable foe. Please be careful.”

As I offered that final caution, he replied simply, “I know.”

With Lord Leonhardt now guarding me, I was about to step onto a new stage, confronting Victor’s assassination plot head-on.

Now that he’s stepping into the public eye, Lord Leonhardt may no longer be able to maintain his façade as the useless prince.

The Victor faction—those who wish to see me dead—and Victor himself, standing at the top… I’ll use this assassination plot against them and drag Victor down with it.

Defeating Clarissa wasn’t the end.

I refuse to be killed so easily.

There’s still so much I must do.

With renewed determination, I exchanged a quiet smile with Lord Leonhardt.

Then, we each left the room, preparing for the next move.