I've Suffered for Five Years, Now It's Your Turn. ~The Crown Princess Has No Intention of Forgiving~ - Episode 19

“As much as I hate to say it, I have nothing to talk about with you.”

That’s the first thing Rosaline said to me, tears welling in her eyes as if she were the victim—right after I arrived at her family estate, the house of Duke Telmond.

“You spread rumors about me and Erik… you’re truly a cruel person.”

“Move aside. I didn’t come here to speak with you.”

I had no intention of wasting my time on Rosaline and her shameless attempt at playing the victim. Ignoring her glare, I followed the servant leading me to the reception room.

Waiting there was Rosaline’s father, Duke Telmond.

“W-Welcome, Princess Filia… A-About the previous matter, I wasn’t aware of the full situation. I deeply apologize for my rude behavior.”

Duke Telmond greeted me with a polite and humble tone.

What I wanted to ask him about was the doctor employed by this household—specifically, the one who falsely diagnosed me as infertile.

But before I could bring it up, the Duke spoke first.

“Well… Forgive me, but we’ve done our own investigation into the matter.”

“Investigation?”

“We discovered that five years ago, you were wrongly told that you couldn’t have children. It seems our family’s doctor was involved in that… He confessed out of guilt and panic when he realized how serious the situation had become.”

I didn’t expect him to already know that.
Even so, it showed that the Duke’s household was no ordinary one—even a corrupt noble could be surprisingly thorough.

“Then this will be simple. Hand over the doctor to us.”

“O-Of course. But… there is something I’d like you to agree to in return.”

“Agree to what?”

“Wronging you is clearly a crime far greater than any suspicion cast on my daughter.”

I could already guess what he was about to say.
Still, I waited in silence, letting him speak.

“Therefore, I ask that only the royal family be held accountable… and that you overlook my daughter Rosaline’s affair.”

“F-Father…! Why would you admit to that…?”

Rosaline, who had been standing quietly nearby, suddenly shouted.
Clearly, she hadn’t been told that her father was willing to admit her guilt.
But the Duke silenced her with a sharp glare.

“Be quiet, Rosaline. There’s no excuse for your behavior. All we can do now is negotiate.”

“…Father.”

“Princess Filia, I sincerely apologize for the repeated disrespect from my daughter—and from myself.”

He bowed his head again and looked me in the eye as he continued.

“So please, in exchange for turning over the doctor to you… I ask that you let my daughter’s wrongdoing go unpunished. I cannot allow the reputation of the Telmond family to be ruined.”

“I see no reason to accept that.”

“In that case… I’ve already arranged for the doctor to escape this estate at my signal.”

The atmosphere in the room instantly grew tense.
I could feel my eyes narrowing as anger rose inside me.
And Duke Telmond smiled smugly, clearly enjoying himself.

“Princess Filia, we know how badly you want the doctor’s testimony. Losing him would be a huge blow to you.”

“…”

“So this is a fair trade. I believe you’re wise enough to understand that, aren’t you?”

“A fair trade…? You think overlooking your daughter’s crimes is fair?”

“Please try to see reason. You’re smart enough to make the right choice.”

He had completely changed from the humble host he was just moments ago.
But perhaps this shift in attitude was part of his negotiation tactic too.

“You don’t have much time. Surely someone as wise as you wouldn’t reject such a reasonable deal?”

Trying to rush the decision, framing it as the best possible outcome—that would probably fool any ordinary noble lady.

But for me, refusing wasn’t so simple.
The doctor in his custody held the key to exposing Erik and the others’ crimes.
If he escaped, I would lose everything.

“Yes… I know exactly how important the doctor is to you,” the Duke said.

Rosaline must’ve finally understood his intent, because she suddenly walked over to me with a smug smile.

“You should do what my father says, Filia.”

“Now now, Rosaline. Don’t push Princess Filia too hard. I’m sure she knows better than to turn down such a generous offer.”

It was frustrating, but the fact was that the doctor gave them powerful leverage.
Enough to justify their arrogance.

“Come now, Princess Filia. Let’s end this discussion. You’ll accept our terms, won’t you?”

Instead of answering, I turned my eyes toward Ryug.
He looked toward the window and gave a small nod.

Just as expected—everything was going according to plan.

“…Very well, Duke Telmond. Let’s end this discussion.”

At my response, the Duke let out a sigh of relief.
Rosaline also looked visibly relaxed, assuming her sins would be forgiven.

“As expected from Princess Filia. Thank you for accepting. A wise and noble decision.”

It seemed they misunderstood my answer.

“Well then, Duke Telmond. I reject your offer.”

“Haha, then let’s prepare a formal contract—wait, what?”

I said I refuse.
Clear and direct.

The Duke’s eyes widened.
Rosaline stared at me in disbelief.

I responded to their shock with a smile.

“I said no. I won’t accept your deal, and I won’t let Rosaline’s affair go unpunished.”

“W-What are you talking about…? If the doctor escapes, you will be the one in trouble—”

“No need to worry. Why don’t you take a look out the window?”

“Huh…?”

The Duke and Rosaline hurried to the window—
And when they looked outside, they were speechless.

Of course they were.
The Royal Knights of Sylvan had already taken the doctor into custody.

“The doctor is already in the hands of the Sylvan Royal Knights.”

“W-What…”

“I expected you might pull something like this. That’s why I secretly ordered the doctor to be apprehended during our meeting. My father arranged for the necessary personnel.”

I stepped forward and faced the two of them—still frozen in shock.

They thought they were in control.
But they underestimated the Sylvan royal family.

“Just as you said, Duke Telmond, I made a wise decision.
Are you satisfied now?”

Did you really think I’d let any of you get away?

Everyone involved will face the consequences.
That’s my duty as someone who bears the name of Sylvan.