The Virtually Exiled Duke’s Daughter Is Troubled When Her Fiancé in a Neighboring Country Says, "I Will Never Love You" - Episode 2

“Hehehe… is that so? Why do you think that?”

“Even though it’s our first meeting, you boldly asked about sharing a bed. You must be confident that you can seduce Lord Gary that way.”

“Oh?”

“I’m not even sure if she’s really the Duke’s daughter, Mauzy. Maybe they sent a prostitute as an imposter?”

“No, her refined movements were perfect. No ordinary woman could act like that. Besides, her beauty was exactly as the rumors described.”

At the Marquis’s words, Ashley reluctantly admitted it—her beauty was undeniable.

Her silky, deep red hair looked like flowing silk. Her large, gray eyes seemed to draw people in. Her delicate and refined manners didn’t match her striking features. A fragile-looking waist, yet an ample chest. A slender, white neck that seemed like it could break at any moment. She was the very image of a “beautiful villainess” or a “bewitching woman who could bring down a kingdom” from a story.

Deborah Mauzy, the Duke’s daughter, had an overwhelming presence that no one could forget after seeing her once. Her beauty and noble status made her famous even in the neighboring kingdom of Volks, where Marquis Sisley resided. It was hard to believe they could send an imposter in her place. More importantly—

“She was once the fiancée of the former crown prince of Mammut. Since they willingly sent her as a hostage, there’s no way she’s a fake.”

A year ago, the Mammut Kingdom, which had been secretly building up its military, attacked Volks to seize its fertile lands. However, Volks had also been strengthening its defenses in secret, leading to a stalemate. Mammut had expected a quick victory but was caught off guard.

Although they could have continued fighting and possibly won, both sides would have been weakened, leaving them vulnerable to attacks from other nations. So, before the war escalated further, they agreed to a peace treaty six months ago.

The border remained unchanged after the war, meaning Mammut had essentially lost. They were supposed to pay compensation to settle things. Some people in Volks thought the deal was too lenient, but since only the royal territory near the border and Marquis Sisley’s land had suffered significant damage, they couldn’t openly oppose the treaty.

Then, suddenly, Mammut offered to send Deborah as a bride. She had a distant bl00d relation to the Mammut royal family, and since there was no marriageable princess in their current royal line, she was a reasonable hostage.

There was some debate in Volks about who would take her in, but Marquis Sisley was chosen. He was trusted not to take advantage of her beauty, and having a hostage near the border was a strategic advantage.

Considering all these complicated circumstances, if she were an imposter, it would only cause more trouble between the two kingdoms. That’s what Marquis Sisley believed.

“So, she’s real, but was she sent here to spy on us?”

The butler’s words made the marquis nod.

“She’s pitiful, but we’ll have to keep her locked away. Though, in a rural place like this, she won’t find much useful information anyway.”

Deborah was led to her room by Mrs. Lauren. Though it wasn’t as luxurious as the duke’s mansion, it was still spacious, with elegant furniture, good sunlight, and fresh air.
A connected room held her dresses and accessories from her home, and there was also a bedroom and a private bath.

(I thought hostages had their belongings taken away…)

Deborah was surprised. Then, Mrs. Lauren spoke in a cold voice.

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. We have servants watching over you day and night.”

As a former duke’s daughter and now a marquis’s wife, it was normal to have maids attending to her. But Mrs. Lauren emphasized it—clearly a warning that she was being watched.

“Thank you, Mrs. Lauren,” Deborah said with a smile.

She walked to the window and gazed outside, letting out a small sigh.

Mrs. Lauren and the other maids assumed she was grieving over being held prisoner.

But no one truly understood what was in Deborah’s heart.

(This is a problem…)

Deborah was troubled.

(If they were going to treat me like this, I would have preferred being used by some lustful old man. At least then, my body would have had some worth.)

(But to be treated with such respect… I probably have no real value as a hostage. Even so, I can’t reveal the truth. What should I do…?)