Estelle Will Not Forgive a Second Time: The Condemned Noble Lady Returns in Elegance to Dance with the Incompetent Prince - Chapter 6

“…What?”

Prince Leonhardt blinked in disbelief, clearly taken aback.

I gently placed the document I had been holding on the desk and took a single step closer to him.

“I said… let’s become accomplices. The reason you’ve been tampering with financial reports is to undermine Prince Victor’s faction from the shadows, isn’t it?”

At my blunt declaration, Leonhardt lowered his eyes slightly.
His pale golden hair fell over his brow, nearly veiling the faint gray of his sleepy-looking gaze.

“…To think you’d figured it out. Honestly, the moment I realized you’d noticed the discrepancies, I thought, ‘Damn it.’ I figured you had something over me.”

“Do you really think I’d expose you? On the contrary—I want to bring down Prince Victor just as much as you do.”

As I said those words—bring him down—I pressed my lips tightly together.

The memories of being pushed to the edge of death came flooding back, my heart trembling in silent fury.

But to ensure I never returned to that hell, I needed to join forces with him.

“I believe… that man is unfit to be king. And I think you feel the same. That’s why you’re quietly sabotaging his ability to gather funds, aren’t you?”

“…You’re right. The thought of my brother becoming king sends a chill down my spine. The people around him care only for power and influence. They have no intention of improving this country. The result? Innocent commoners and even nobles will suffer.”

Leonhardt released a long breath after voicing his thoughts.

This was the first time I’d heard the true feelings hidden beneath the mask of the “Incompetent Prince.”

He was genuinely concerned about the future of this kingdom.

“And yet, you ask me to become your accomplice… I thought for sure you were going to blackmail me.”

“What would I gain from blackmailing you? It’s far more efficient if we work together. I have no intention of letting Prince Victor continue unchecked.”

I spoke firmly, my voice unwavering.

Leonhardt fell silent, his gaze fixed on mine.

“And why do you want to bring down my brother? Reading financial reports is one thing, but if you truly want to confront him, you realize the risks, don’t you?
We could both end up executed.”

“…I know that.”

“And you—of all people—are a candidate to be his fiancée. Why would you take such a risk?”

There it was—the question I knew would come.

I hesitated for a moment.
Part of me wanted to scream, “Because I was already killed once.”

But I couldn’t say that.

Instead, I chose to reveal the fire of revenge burning in my heart.

“—He destroyed my dignity. He nearly stole my entire life.”

No—not “nearly.”

He did steal it—my life, my future.

And that’s why—

“I will never forgive him. Not even in death.”

“…!”

My voice trembled slightly, and I quickly straightened my back to mask it, holding his gaze.

I could see Leonhardt stiffen, his shoulders tensing at my words.

The silence of the library seemed to magnify the intensity of our exchange.

“Estelle… you’re serious. He destroyed your dignity? What exactly happened?”

“I can’t say more… I doubt you’d believe me.”

A bitter smile touched my lips as I clenched my fists.

Even now, my body trembled at the memory of that humiliating end.
Betrayed by Victor, branded a traitor, executed in disgrace—
I would never allow that fate to repeat.

“But I know one thing—we cannot leave him unchecked. I believe you feel the same.”

“…Yeah. No one expects anything from me, which makes it easier to operate in the shadows. I’ve been quietly siphoning off his funds—just enough that it won’t draw attention. But I never imagined someone as sharp as you would notice.”

Leonhardt gave a small, almost amused smile, tinged with disbelief.

Of course, I only noticed because I died and returned.

“…Your determination is clear. With that much resolve, I see no reason not to cooperate.”

“Then… will you become my accomplice?”

At my question, he narrowed his eyes, pretending to ponder for a moment.

Leonhardt exhaled sharply and gave a small shrug.

“…Your resolve is solid, I see. Very well. I accept. From now on, we’re accomplices. If that’s what you wish to call it, then I’ll wear the title proudly.”

As he spoke, he extended his hand to me.

His pale golden hair shifted ever so slightly, and those steely gray eyes locked onto mine with sharp intensity.

“Yes. I look forward to working with you—let’s get along well, as accomplices.”

I smiled as I took his hand.

His grip was soft to the touch, yet I could sense the power of a hidden blade beneath the surface.
Prince Leonhardt—he might appear indifferent, but I now knew he harbored a blazing fire within.

His “Incompetent Prince” persona was nothing more than a mask, a smokescreen.
Our true enemy was Prince Victor.

“If we’re caught, we’ll be executed,” Leonhardt said with a bitter laugh.

“But that’s the thing—we just won’t be caught, will we? Even if he’s royalty, there are still ways to drag him down. I’ll help you with the falsifications as well.”

After I said this, we gave each other’s hand one final, firm shake.

A secret pact, made in the shadows of the dimly lit library.

It was a meeting truly befitting of accomplices.

And so, Prince Leonhardt and I joined forces.

A secret alliance, forged for one purpose—to bring down Prince Victor.

In my past life, I had no allies like this.
Now, I had finally secured the one I needed most.

Deep in my heart, the flames of determination blazed even hotter.

—I will succeed.

This second life exists for me to claim victory over my fate.