I've Suffered for Five Years, Now It's Your Turn. ~The Crown Princess Has No Intention of Forgiving~ - Episode 14

A letter had arrived for Luans.
There was no sender, and its message was clearly meant to stop me.
The tone was nothing like the composed letters from before. It felt rushed, written in desperation.

“This is…”

“I originally thought I should identify who sent it… but I figured it was better to share the information with you, considering your skills. Sorry for bringing this to you when you’re already busy.”

“No, thank you. Knowing there’s someone actively trying to stop me makes it easier to move forward.”

“I’m glad you see it that way.”

But this letter apparently arrived just this morning…
I couldn’t grasp the sender’s true intentions.
It was as if, despite telling me the truth, they now wanted to stop me from digging further.

“I don’t get it. Why now…? After finally revealing the truth, they suddenly want me to stop chasing it?”

“You’re right, Princess Filia. But there’s one thing I did figure out from this letter.”

“You did?”
Luans didn’t hide anything and shared what I hadn’t noticed.

“Compared to our last audience, the person who sent this letter has clearly changed their mind. They no longer want the investigation to spread across the entire kingdom.”

“…I see.”

“The only ones who would know that this investigation might impact the whole country are those who were present at that last audience.”

Now that he mentioned it, that does make sense.
It’s still only speculation, but with the information we have, it’s the most logical conclusion.

“Princess Filia, someone you thought was an ally… may have had a different agenda all along. Keep that in mind.”

“I understand… But I won’t stop the investigation. In fact, I’m heading out now to gather even more important evidence.”

Luans nodded at my words.

“…I’m part of the royal family, so I know I might not be the most trustworthy. That’s why I won’t ask about the evidence you’re looking for. It’s probably safer for you that way. But feel free to use my name however you like during your investigation.”

Luans really is sharp and composed.
And even though he belongs to the royal family, he’s been trying to help me in his own way. I couldn’t help but ask.

“Why are you helping me this much? Wouldn’t it be more beneficial for you to protect your brother?”

“You’d think so, wouldn’t you? But the royal family… is a little complicated.”

“Complicated?”

At my question, Luans leaned back in his chair.
He hesitated, then said softly,

“In our royal family, I’m not allowed to stand ahead of my brother. It’s a rule. Many noble families have this kind of thing—don’t outshine the heir, that sort of restriction.”

“I’ve come to accept it. But still, there were many times I cursed the rule while watching my brother bask in the people’s praise. Even so, I respected him for shouldering his responsibilities as crown prince.”

“You can’t forgive Erik for betraying that respect, can you?”

“Exactly. He had the place I gave up on. But he treated it carelessly and acted recklessly. I can’t forgive him. He was in the position I longed for… and yet…”

Clenching his fists, Luans let his emotions spill out.
Hearing his true feelings, I finally understood why he had been helping me so much.

“Thank you, Luans. Now I understand how you really feel.”

“…I’m sorry. I let my emotions get the better of me. I’ll take my leave for now. I won’t stand in the way of your investigation. I’ll also look into the letter on my end.”

With that, Luans left the room, saying, “You can count on me anytime.”
The letter remained—mysterious and troubling, as did the person who sent it.

“…Still, there’s just not enough information. If chasing this lead turns out to be a waste of time… I need to focus on the task right in front of me.”

As I murmured to myself, Ryug draped my coat over my shoulders.
He must have known I was heading out to investigate.

“Let’s go, Ryug. First, we’re going to uncover everything about Camilla.”

“As you command. Just say the word, and I’ll act.”

There are still mysteries left, but my mission remains the same.
As for Erik and his wrongdoing, even without me, the evidence would pile up eventually.
He and that woman are too careless.

Which is why I’ll start with Camilla’s secrets.
Did she, like her beloved son, commit betrayal?
Why would she, a queen, go so far to support her son’s actions?

“She lied to me—claimed she couldn’t bear children. I’ll expose the truth… and drag her to the courtroom along with him.”

Suppressing a rising smirk, I pulled on my coat and left the castle with Ryug.

…

“H-Here… These are the books. The ledgers of our household, Princess Filia.”

My first destination with the Harvin Kingdom’s knights wasn’t some roundabout trail.
We headed straight to the estate of Count Lot—where Camilla had embezzled funds.

It was the fastest way to gather solid evidence, so I came personally.

“Count Lot, I’m conducting this investigation as a representative of the Sylvan royal family. Please don’t refer to me by the title ‘Princess.’”

I was able to do this because this investigation had been established as a joint effort with the Sylvan Kingdom by the royal family.
That allowed me to act as an official of Sylvan, not as the crown prince’s fiancée.

“The knights have already confiscated the ledgers. Now, tell me everything you know about Camilla and her embezzlement.”

“Please be honest. We’ll find out the truth either way.”

Heading to Count Lot’s estate right away prevented them from covering up any evidence.
No matter how powerful a noble house is, it’s impossible to fully hide illicit affairs when you employ a large number of servants.

In other words, if Camilla and Count Lot had a relationship, others would have known.
Thankfully, my plan worked because we acted fast.

“Princess Filia, just as we expected—according to the servants, Queen Camilla visited this estate many times under the pretense of discussing charity work. The meetings were always just the two of them.”

At Ryug’s report, Count Lot turned pale.
I didn’t want to be harsh, but I didn’t have time to waste on someone trembling with fear.

“Tell me the truth. Don’t even think about hiding anything.”

“Y-Yes…”

Count Lot began confessing everything he knew about Camilla.
And then… something else caught my attention.

The ledgers Count Lot had handed me earlier—
They clearly showed evidence of Camilla’s embezzlement, with detailed records of income and expenses.

That much I expected.
But one particular transaction caught my eye.

Count Lot had used the embezzled funds… to purchase armor from the Sylvan royal family.
Exactly one year ago—the same time that knight came forward to tell me the truth.
It’s no coincidence. Camilla is definitely involved in this too.

“Tell me everything. What did Camilla ask of you? What did she tell you?”

There are still so many unanswered questions…
But thankfully, Camilla isn’t the only one I’m chasing.

There’s still the mystery figure who shared the truth with me.
If that person turns out to be an enemy now—so be it.

I’ll uncover it all. Every last secret.