WBWB | Chapter 49

“…”

Just looking at her face, I couldn’t believe this was the woman at the center of all those scandals. I even wondered if I had somehow misunderstood. She observed me carefully, her impossibly slender arms and hands resting on her lap.

“You’re the Toulouse woman, exiled from the court, who was tutoring Duchess Ventadour’s son? I hear you’re now tutoring the Duke of Skadi’s adopted daughter.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“But how did you come to hold such an important position?”

“Pardon?”

“You came here as an exile. It’s surprising that you’re working as a tutor in the ducal household. Is there some connection between the Toulouse and Skadi families that I’m unaware of?”

When I remained silent, the Princess glanced around the room. Baroness Etoille, standing by the door, spoke.

“Oh dear, the flowers in the vase are wilting. Shall we go outside and pick some fresh ones?”

At her words, the ladies-in-waiting filed out of the room.

“Now, it’s just the two of us. Miss Toulouse, would you mind being candid with me? How did you become a tutor in the ducal household as an exile? And I was under the impression that the Duke was unmarried, so what’s this about an adopted daughter? I know nothing about Skadi, so I have no choice but to rely on you.”

She spoke in a friendly tone, as if to a friend.

“The reason I became a tutor here is…”

I couldn’t refuse a direct request from the Princess. Trying to avoid saying anything that might harm the Duke, I recounted the events that had transpired since my arrival.

“I see. Thank you for sharing your story, Miss Toulouse. You’ve been through a lot. But have we met before, at court? I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere.”

“We haven’t, Your Highness.”

“Then it must just be my imagination that you seem so familiar. Miss Toulouse, bring your chair closer and sit next to me.”

I did as she asked. As we sat close enough to touch, she suddenly took my hand.

“Miss Toulouse, although we’ve only just met, you seem trustworthy. So… would you help me? I’m in a rather difficult situation.”

I nodded, although I was apprehensive about what she might say.

“People believe I came here at my father’s behest, to inspect and encourage the northern territories, but that’s not the true reason. I came here to win the heart of Duke Skadi.”

Her large eyes glistened with tears. I was taken aback. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and continued, 

“His Majesty has threatened to marry me off to the King of Espart if I don’t marry the Duke. I hear he’s a cripple with a cleft lip that attaches to his nose and a protruding jaw so large he can barely chew his food. I received his portrait and was plunged into despair. Royal portraits are always embellished, but he was repulsive even in the painting. Wouldn’t even a barbarian Duke of my own country be better than such a man? But the Duke refuses to marry into the royal family. That’s why I came all this way, to try and change his mind.”

I froze, learning the true reason for the Princess’s visit.

“But the Duke refuses to marry me. Or anyone, for that matter. When I asked him what would become of the next heir, he said the affairs of Skadi were none of my concern. But how can he say that? He’s neglecting his duty.”

The Princess clutched my hand, her eyes brimming with tears.

“Miss Toulouse, won’t you help me escape this predicament? Help me marry the Duke so I don’t have to marry a monster.”

Her words made my whole body tremble.

“Your Highness, I’m just a humble tutor.”

“That’s not true, Miss Toulouse. You’re close to the Duke. I’ve heard you’ve been in close contact with him regarding his adopted daughter. Dining with him every week. The Duke might not listen to anyone else, but he’ll listen to you. He trusts you.”

Who could have told her such things? A shiver ran down my spine.

“Someone even saw the Duke leaving the ballroom and returning to the mansion with you last night.”

The Princess continued, tightening her grip on my hands.

“I won’t ask what transpired between you two. But Miss Toulouse, think about it. How long can you hold the Duke’s favor? How long can you stay in this mansion as his adopted daughter’s tutor? A man’s love is fleeting. They’re like butterflies or bees, flitting from flower to flower, leaving when the blossoms wilt. But friendship is stronger than diamonds. Offer me your friendship. Then I’ll show you how precious and valuable my friendship can be. I have the power to lift your exile and the means to find you a suitable match.”

“…”

“And that’s not all. I’ll ensure your family enjoys wealth and honor. If you help me out of this predicament, I’ll help you out of yours.”

Her words were so tempting, and coming from the Princess herself, they were impossible to refuse. She was pleading with me for help. And truthfully, I wanted to help her if I could.

“What do you wish of me, Your Highness?”

“My request isn’t difficult. Speak well of me to the Duke and ease his reservations. It seems he’s heard the rumors about me circulating at court. You know about those rumors, don’t you, Miss Toulouse? Tell him they’re not true. Tell him I’m a good person. If you can just soften his stance, I’ll take care of the rest. Even if the marriage doesn’t come to pass, it won’t be your fault, and I’ll have you released from your exile when I return to court.”

Was that all? But a question arose in my mind. Was her only reason for wanting to marry the Duke her desire to avoid marrying a monster?

“…Your Highness, I have a question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Have you… fallen in love with the Duke of Skadi since coming here?”

What were the Princess’s feelings for the Duke?

“Do you wish to marry him because you’ve come to love him?”

Had she fallen in love with him after coming here? Was that why she wanted to marry him? If so, I would gladly fulfill her request. Because the Princess was so beautiful and lovely, any man who received her love would surely be happy. And all I wanted… was his happiness.

Yes, I realized at that moment that I wanted him to be happy. Even if it meant not being by his side.

“Ha, haha…”

But at my question, the Princess red lips twitched the corners and she suddenly burst out laughing.

“Hahahahaha!”

It was a clear, bright laugh. She continued laughing for a long time, while I sat there in silence.

“Love? What are you talking about, Miss Toulouse?”

Wiping away the tears that had gathered at the corners of her eyes, the Princess spoke, 

“Love isn’t something between husbands and wives. The role of a husband and wife is to protect their family’s assets and produce heirs. Marriage is a contract between families, and love can only complicate things. People’s hearts change, whether it’s love or hate. That’s why one engages in love with lovers, not husbands.”

And her words froze me to the core.

“Miss Toulouse tutored Duchess Ventadour’s son, so you must know. Although the Duchess tries her best, she’s not the only one His Majesty favors. Surely, Miss Toulouse doesn’t think Duchess Ventadour was His Majesty’s only mistress?”

“…”

“Miss Toulouse, I want to choose the lesser of two evils. At least the Duke isn’t a cripple or a hideous man like the King of Espart. If I produce an heir with a monster, wouldn’t the child also be a monster? And the act itself would be repulsive. Besides, the Duke’s territory is still within my father’s kingdom, albeit remote. Once I’ve produced an heir, I intend to return to court.”