The Virtually Exiled Duke’s Daughter Is Troubled When Her Fiancé in a Neighboring Country Says, "I Will Never Love You" - Episode 62

**”You were the red gem that shone like a star at the center of our ducal family.”**

When she first heard those words, Deborah couldn’t help but let out a sarcastic laugh. How could he string together such blatant lies so easily?

Deborah had been raised solely to become the crown princess. She had never once been the center of the Mauzy Ducal family, nor had she ever experienced the warmth of a happy family gathering. Naturally, she had no memories of receiving love from her brother either.

However, as she read the next words, the sarcastic smile vanished from her face, and her entire body froze.

The letter from her older brother, Ozma Mauzy, asked if she remembered what he had told her when she was sent on her first solo mission to a distant land.

*(Of course, I remember!)*

◇

It happened when the Mammut Kingdom’s iron mine suffered a massive collapse, resulting in many casualties.

Since the mine was owned by the royal family, it was necessary for someone from the royal bloodline to lead a rescue mission and offer condolences. Prince Aaron was chosen for the task. However, because the area was lawless and full of unruly people, the prince dismissed the idea, saying, “There’s no point in going to a place like that. It sounds boring.”

Then, the day before departure, he suddenly declared, “I’ve come down with a fever, so I’m canceling my plans.”

The iron mine was the kingdom’s largest source of income, second only to taxes. If no one from the royal family showed up, it would stir up resentment among the locals. At worst, it could even spark a rebellion against the royal family.

With no other choice, Deborah, who had originally been assigned to accompany Aaron, was sent to the mine alone. Of course, “alone” was an exaggeration—she was escorted by several knights. The chances of her facing real danger were considered minimal.

**”—But in the rare event that you are attacked, use this.”**

On the day of her departure, Ozma held up an old, worn-out necklace in front of her.

*”This?”*

*”Yes. Press this part, and it will open.”*

As her brother pressed the gemstone on the necklace, a small clicking sound was heard, revealing a tiny black pill inside.

*”It’s poison for suicide. It will only cause a little pain before you die quickly.”*

*”…!”*

Deborah was left speechless. But whether her brother failed to notice her reaction or simply didn’t care, he continued explaining in a calm, detached manner.

*”If you’re kidnapped or if someone tries to take your purity, swallow it immediately.”*

*”…Understood.”*

Deborah accepted his instructions. As the future duke, her eldest brother’s words were absolute—denying them was not an option. However, even though she had grown used to being treated as a mere tool, this was the first time his words had truly cut deep.

Without showing her inner turmoil, Deborah proceeded to the mine and successfully completed her mission.

The sight of the kingdom’s most beautiful woman appearing alongside rescue workers and doctors, offering gentle words to the injured miners, uplifted the spirits of the men. Many praised her as an exceptional future crown princess.

Thanks to the knights diligently performing their duties, Deborah returned safely without encountering any real danger. She handed the necklace and its poison back to her brother upon her return.

◇

As Deborah felt the bl00d drain from her face, she quickly analyzed the situation.

Ashley continued reading the letter, which claimed that her father and brothers were doing everything they could to bring her back. But she knew it was a lie. If they truly wanted her back, they wouldn’t have included a hidden message implying she should use the poison.

*(It’s the opposite, isn’t it? Father and my brothers have decided it would be better to silence me completely.)*

At this point, she had no idea what was happening in Mammut Kingdom.

However, even without knowing the exact situation, she could tell the letter was full of deceit. And the overly grandiose phrase, *”a red gem that shone like a star,”* sounded more like something from a love letter than a genuine message from her brother.

That was when Deborah remembered.

*(…That ruby ring with the star-like pattern…)*

A ring she didn’t recognize had appeared in her jewelry box. Was this the reason?

She wanted to check it immediately, but she couldn’t let the people in this mansion realize the poison existed.

She wrote a short, indifferent reply, ending with, *”Do not worry about me.”* This wording could be interpreted in different ways. Ozma, who had always known her as an obedient daughter and sister, would assume she had followed orders once again.

Then, returning to her room, Deborah secretly inspected the ring while avoiding Shelly’s watchful eyes.

Just as she had suspected, the ring had the same mechanism as that old necklace.

*”…”*

Quickly closing the hidden compartment, she turned to find Shelly emerging from the dressing room. She forced a smile, but Shelly frowned.

*”Oh no, you’re doing that fake smile again!”*

*”R-Really?”*

*”I thought you’d gotten better lately…”*

*”…”*

Ever since coming to this mansion, she had slowly begun to express her true emotions. It was ironic that now, of all times, she had to hide them again.

Maintaining her vague smile, she said, *”I feel like reading today… Do you remember the novels Mrs. Lauren prepared for me when I first arrived?”*

Shelly hesitated slightly.

*”Are you sure? I thought you didn’t like them?”*

*”No, it’s fine. I realize now that I was ungrateful for not reading them properly.”*

*”Alright, I’ll bring them right away!”*

*”Thank you, Shelly.”*

Pretending to immerse herself in a romance novel she had once ignored, Deborah slowly turned the pages, deep in thought.

*(What should I do…?)*

Of course, she had no intention of dying as her brother commanded.

Back in her homeland, she had numbed herself, accepting her role as nothing more than a tool. But now, after experiencing genuine warmth from the Sisley Marquis family, she was a different person.

*(My response should buy me some time… at least a little.)*

If she died too soon after receiving the letter, someone might connect the dots and investigate the circumstances of her exile. If it was revealed that she had been banished under false pretenses, her family’s plan would be ruined.

Even if nothing happened for a month or two, Ozma wouldn’t be concerned. But if she delayed too long, he might send a follow-up letter—or worse, an assassin.

*(But what can I do in just two months?)*

Dying was not an option, but escaping the marquis’ house was also out of the question. That would mean defying Lionel’s order to shelter her, which would disgrace the Sisley family.

The best course of action might be to convince the marquis to request her return to Mammut. Normally, a hostage wouldn’t be released so easily. However, in this case, she wasn’t taken as a hostage at Volk’s request—Mammut had forced the situation upon them.

*”Um, Lady Deborah?”*

Shelly’s timid voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

She had been so deep in thought that she had stopped turning the pages!

*”Maybe you shouldn’t force yourself to read this. It must remind you of painful memories, doesn’t it?”*

*”Huh?”*

*”The prince in the story faked a broken engagement to set the heroine free…”*

Deborah’s large eyes widened even further.

*”How… do you know that?”*

*”Oh, Miss Lauren told me. But it’s a famous story. People in town are talking about it too.”*

*”People in town…? You mean, even in this country?”*

*”Yes. The rumors only started spreading recently, though.”*

Deborah instinctively hid her face behind the book.

Shelly was an honest girl. If Deborah hid her face, she would assume she was either sad or embarrassed. Either way, she wouldn’t pry further.

*(…So that’s what’s happening.)*

At last, Deborah realized what her father and brother were planning.