The Virtually Exiled Duke’s Daughter Is Troubled When Her Fiancé in a Neighboring Country Says, "I Will Never Love You" - Episode 47

Ashley arrived at the lounge and spoke in a small voice to Riold’s guard. The guard relayed the message to the prince.

“Your Highness, the carriage has arrived.”

“I see. Then it’s time to leave.”

Everyone in the Sisley estate gathered at the entrance to see the prince off. The young servants looked slightly flushed and tense, but no one lost their composure.

“Your Highness, thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule today.”

At the marquis’s words, Deborah and the servants all bowed deeply.

“Ah, Marquis Sisley.”

Riold motioned for the marquis to come closer. The marquis quickly approached, and Riold whispered to him.

“Your wife is definitely the real Deborah Mauzy. Unless she was a stand-in since my foreign tour.”

“!”

The marquis widened his eyes in shock, while Riold smirked.

Earlier, in the hallway, Riold had said, “I cannot let the light of my guiding star be clouded.” Deborah immediately understood that “star” referred to Princess Violetta and responded accordingly.

However, Riold had only once referred to his beloved wife as a star—two years ago, during his foreign tour, in a casual conversation with Aaron and Deborah.

Half as a game and half to see if it might be useful, Riold had compared his wife to different things in each country he visited: a flower, the moon, a beautiful singing bird… And now, unexpectedly, that habit had proven useful.

Patting the marquis on the shoulder, Riold spoke.

“It was worth coming here today, even if it was a bit of a stretch. Not only your wife, but you yourself seem to be in much better health than when we last met.”

“Yes.”

“Marquis Sisley, I believe my choice was the right one. Don’t you?”

“…”

For a moment, the marquis was at a loss for words. Then, he smiled and bowed again.

“You are absolutely right. Your Highness, I am truly grateful for your kindness.”

“As expected of me! Well then, until next time!”

Praising himself with a bold farewell, the second prince boarded the royal carriage in his casual attire.

Even after the carriage passed through the Sisley estate’s gates, no one moved back inside. They continued watching until it was completely out of sight. Only then did the marquis turn around and apologize.

“Everyone, I’m sorry. I never expected His Highness to come personally instead of sending an official. You must have been quite surprised.”

At his words, the tense atmosphere finally eased. Some servants slumped to the floor in relief, while others excitedly exclaimed, “A member of the royal family came to our house!” and “I have to tell everyone!”

The marquis approached Deborah, who stood watching the scene in a daze.

“Deborah, I owe you an apology. I never intended to involve you.”

“Huh?”

“The plan was to pretend to go to the capital while secretly meeting an official outside the territory to confirm Cornell’s situation firsthand… But I never expected that man to try to force open your room’s lock.”

Deborah had been told to stay in her room for her own protection against Cornell. She had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed made her murmur, “Oh my.”

“But you remembered His Highness, and that saved us. Thank you.”

His gentle sky-blue eyes met hers, and Deborah felt warmth spread through her face. Though she had remained composed before Riold, her voice now trembled slightly.

“Did I… really help you, Marquis?”

“Of course. It was something only you could do.”

His words were like magic, sending a tingling warmth through her cheeks and cracking the cold, perfect mask she had worn for so long.

“Deborah?”

Her eyes reddened, and tears welled up as she struggled to speak.

“I… I’m glad I could help.”

Even someone like her—just a tool, unloved by anyone—had been of use to the marquis. This might be her last chance to be useful. That thought made her voice tremble as she forced out her words.

“Wait a moment.”

“?”

“Why do you say it like that? As if this is the end?”

“Ah…”

It was as if the marquis had seen straight through her. She tried to cover it up with a practiced smile, but the mask had already cracked beyond repair.

For a moment, the marquis’s face blurred as if seen through glass. Blinking, she felt warm tears run down her cheeks, clearing her vision just enough to see his shocked expression before her eyes blurred again.

“Deborah!”

Madam Lauren rushed over, looking equally concerned. But Deborah, overwhelmed by emotion, couldn’t focus on them. Her heart, throat, and mind were all too full.

“B-but I…”

Her words broke apart, mixed with tears.

“If I stay here, I’ll… be a burden to everyone…”

The marquis immediately asked.

“Who told you that you were a burden?”

His voice was sharp, but not accusatory. His usual gentle tone was now tinged with concern, making Deborah’s tears spill over again.

“N-no one…”

No one had said it. Of course, they hadn’t. The people here were kind, too kind. They wouldn’t say it even if they thought it. She avoided looking at the marquis and Madam Lauren, fearing more tears would fall. Instead, her gaze landed on Ashley, his left cheek red and swollen. He gave her a wry smile.

“Even I never said anything that cruel. And didn’t I just apologize for my past behavior? No one here thinks of you as a burden.”

Even Ashley, who had been hostile towards her, was kind now. Deborah’s lips trembled, and more tears spilled down her cheeks.

“But… but… because of the war… the madam…”

“!!”

At Deborah’s words, all three of them froze. But her vision, blurred by endless tears, couldn’t register their expressions. She just let her emotions pour out with her tears.

“Madam died because of my country… didn’t she? I’m sorry…”

With those words, she covered her face, sobbing uncontrollably.

“Uh… ah…”

“Deborah.”

The marquis gently placed a large hand on her shoulder.

“It wasn’t your fault. You don’t have to blame yourself.”

“But—”

“Truly, it wasn’t your fault.”

His sorrowful voice made Deborah look up. The marquis’s face was filled with grief. But she couldn’t understand why. Was he forcing himself to say it? Was he lying to make her feel better?

“Deborah.”

Madam Lauren took Deborah’s hands, looking just as sorrowful.

“I feel the same as my husband. It wasn’t your fault. Please, don’t blame yourself.”

“But…”

Before she could say more, Ashley gave orders to the other servants.

“Prepare tea in the lounge again! Something that will help calm Lady Deborah’s heart!”

The servants, who had been watching anxiously, sprang into action all at once.