The Virtually Exiled Duke’s Daughter Is Troubled When Her Fiancé in a Neighboring Country Says, "I Will Never Love You" - Episode 45

“Huh…? Ah…”

After a few moments, Cornell collapsed onto the ground.

Riold placed a hand on his chin and muttered, “Hmm,” before continuing.

“If I recall correctly, the Supreme Count title was granted by the royal family during my great-grandfather’s time. A distant relative of the Marquis of Sisley had distinguished himself on the battlefield and was rewarded with the title. The bloodline nearly died out once, but wasn’t it your uncle who inherited the title?”

“Yes. Cornell is his son, making him my cousin.”

“I see. However, none of the Supreme Counts after the first have made any significant contributions to the kingdom—not even in the last war. Loyalty to the royal family and diligence might have been enough, but…”

Cornel had never had the opportunity to see the royal family up close, but he had seen them many times from afar at ceremonies and evening parties. Paintings of the second prince were also well known. He should have at least remembered Riold’s face properly.

Moreover, the Marquis of Sisley had spoken almost the truth. He had said he was going to meet someone in the capital, only to find out that person had gone hawking—coincidentally—in a neighboring territory.

Several lands bordered the Sisley territory, but since the marquis said “heading toward” rather than “returning from” the capital, it had to be the royal domain along the border. If someone could hunt there, they had to be of noble standing. Anyone with a keen mind would realize this.

In other words, Cornell had failed both in loyalty to the royal family and in intelligence. Riold looked down at Cornell with a smile. It was as cold as ice, chilling even those who watched from the sidelines.

“It’s a waste to let a man like this hold a noble title. Since it was granted by the royal family, perhaps I should revoke it right now?”

“Eek…!”

“Your Highness, I beg your pardon, but isn’t that a bit too hasty?”

The Marquis of Sisley gently intervened. Riold snorted, but his gaze softened.

“You’re too lenient. Though, that is one of your virtues.”

“For me, replacing him as steward and severing ties is enough.”

“Fine. Do as you wish… However—”

Riold snapped his fingers, and a group of strong men appeared. Two of them grabbed Cornell by the arms, restraining him.

“Cornell Supreme, your crime of speaking disrespectfully to me is separate. A verdict will be given later.”

“W-Wait, Your Highness! There’s a reason for this…!”

“Take him away.”

Cornell struggled and shouted, but the men didn’t budge. One of them coldly whispered, “We will escort you home,” before dragging him away in silence. Most people watching were too stunned to react until Cornell was completely out of sight.

“Heh heh heh… That was quite entertaining.”

Riold suddenly shifted from his sarcastic smile to a serious expression.

“‘You dare forget my face? A verdict will be given later!’”

After saying this, he immediately returned to his amused grin.

“I’ve always wanted to say that. Marquis of Sisley, thanks to your foolish cousin, my wish came true.”

“Your Highness, what was that?”

“Oh, you don’t know? It’s a line from a popular play in the capital’s theater. The story is about a free-spirited prince who disguises himself as a commoner, goes into town, defeats villains, and then dramatically reveals his identity.”

The marquis couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Haha. That sounds like a play modeled after you, Your Highness. Is it a scheme to gain the people’s favor?”

The prince, still dressed in commoner-like clothing, placed his hands on his hips and declared:

“Of course not. If I were really in disguise, wouldn’t that make it easier for people to recognize me?”

“I see. So, this was a plan by someone concerned about your habit of sneaking into town?”

“Ah! That makes sense! Damn, was this Grandpa’s doing…?”

“Your Highness, with all due respect, was this really something that required your personal attention? One can only imagine how much trouble your retainers go through.”

As the marquis spoke, the previously stunned household staff snapped back to reality and bustled about. Lady Lauren instructed the maids, “Prepare the lounge immediately!” while Swallow exclaimed, “That was terrible! We need to cool it down quickly!” as she glanced at Ashley.

Ignoring the commotion, Riold continued his conversation, now looking directly at Deborah.

“Well, putting that aside, I wanted to see the marquis’s wife as well.”

“!”

Deborah quickly performed a lady’s bow. However, Riold casually waved it off.

“No need for that. Raise your head.”

“Yes.”

As she lifted her head, Riold studied her with a smirk.

“Hmm. When did we last meet?”

“About two years ago, when Your Highness visited Mammut.”

“That’s right. You look healthier than before.”

The marquis noticed something—Deborah’s perfect social smile faltered for a moment as a slight blush crossed her face, and she looked down.

“Well… it’s embarrassing, but… the food at the marquis’s estate is so delicious, I’ve gained a little weight…”

“Haha! That’s good. Last time, I thought your neck and hands were too thin. It must mean you’re comfortable here.”

“Yes… I am very grateful for everyone’s kindness.”

“Hmm. As expected of me. When I suddenly decided to send the Duchess of Mauzy from Mammut here, there was quite a debate about what to do with you. Some even suggested making you a concubine for me or my brother.”

“Is that so?”

“But I couldn’t let anything dim the star that shines on me. So, I decided on my own to entrust you to the Marquis of Sisley.”

Deborah quickly regained her perfect, elegant smile.

“Your Highness certainly doesn’t need any other woman. After all, you already have the wonderful Princess Violetta.”

“Ah. I agree.”

They exchanged smiles before Lauren signaled to the marquis that the tea was ready.

“Your Highness, instead of talking here, please allow me to escort you to the lounge.”

“Ah, let’s do that.”

“If you have no plans tonight, would you like to join us for dinner? Since we dismissed the steward, the chef prepared a feast that will go to waste otherwise.”

“Hmm, then I shall accept. If your wife finds the food too delicious, I must try it myself.”

As they moved towards the lounge, Deborah suddenly froze.

“H-Husband… about dinner…”

“?”

She whispered so softly that the marquis barely heard her. He exchanged glances with Riold, noticing her ears were slightly red. Just then, Swallow, having finished tending to Ashley, approached them.

“My Lord, I deeply apologize… but we cannot serve this meal to His Highness.”

“Why not? Didn’t you prepare extravagant meals for the steward when I was away?”

Swallow looked as though he had swallowed something bitter. The marquis had rarely seen such an expression from him and tried to guess what had happened, but he couldn’t have predicted the answer.

“Actually… the main dish, the roasted chicken, was once covered in dirt and had to be washed.”