TL: Zimmings

Count Arabel looked at Nos with cleched fist, he didnt know what to do as he looked around in embarassement.

No way. How could gossiping be punished! If thats the case, the formal complaint ar the imperial palace wont stop

Some people nodded at Count Arabels words.

Nobles often gather, so they must have said a word or two of gossip. People started supporting him.

Yes, Dubbledes response is too much.

Its not uncommon for us to gossip. How could they accuse a 14-year-old girl as the source of rumours?

But we have a more definite proof.

I glanced at Nos and he replied to Count Arabel.

A relative of the contestant has spread malicious rumors about the other participant and Lady Dubblede. How could we let go of this?

What they mean was the runours about me being Cecilia and my dads illegitimate child.

Those rumors were done on purpose.

They cannot avoid punishment.

It was Blake who spread rumors and pushed me to edge. But it was Count Arabel who protected her, so he cannot avoid responsibility.

Count Arabel tried to make excuses in a hurry, but I quickly intercepted him.

I was questioned by Cardinal Reginald because of the rumors spread by Arabel. They said that the temple would supervise me, and if I did not comply, I would be held responsible for ruining the temples trust.

If this nonsense is not resolved, the damage will be huge to me.

In other words, it meant that we had to overreact a bit to settle the rumors.

There was a justification for the accusation. And-

I glanced at Nos again, and he looked at the girl who was accusing me.

His Excellency said that we will also report everyone involved in the rumours.

However, we will be merciful to those who report on the rumours.

We never expected it to spread this much.

I will not forgive those who made fun of me for a moments fun and personal desires, even though I fully anticipated the situation.

Never.

The complexion of the girl who had been accusing me in front of Nos and I became pale.

Lord Ecuador, Lady Philia, and Lord Lucitereal.

I remember you all.

If you tell me the truth, Ill make your punishment be lighter.

When I opened my eyes, the complexions of those who had criticized me in excitement just a little while ago became pale.

Not to mention the faces of Count Arabel and Blake.

Lets go.

Yes!

I answered excitedly.

***

Back in the mansion, the children apologized to me with their parents.

As a child, she was swayed by rumors. Please forgive us

Its all Ms. Arabels fault. Otherwise, how could my good-natured son doubt lady?

I had nothing more to say. But please take into account that my son is only 13. The accusation!

Protests kept coming in. At this rate, I cant even save my place in the association. Lady, please have mercy on me.

The adults were desperate in front of me, and the children who looked at their parents were ready to burst into tears. Some even cried bitterly, saying it was all Blakes fault.

Dad never said he would forgive them.

They had been begging all day in front of my dads office, and then they returned like a defeated soldiers.

And then Blake

Your Excellency, Your Excellency! Please listen to me. Just a few words is fine. Ah, Your Excellency!

As soon as Count Arabel was allowed to enter the mansion, he knelt down and clung to my dads trousers.

Dad reported him to the imperial palace. Not only that, he stopped all business related to the Arabel family.

Do you know how much I invested in this trade? If this is the case, well end up the street. Blake, why cant you apologize sooner-!

He dragged his daughter roughly in front of me.

Blake bit her lips several times.

Blake!

Blake, who turned her head, forced herself to speak.

Im sorry.

This girl! Keep your head down!

I said Im sorry! Im sorry! How much more do I have to say it?! Its too much! I also suffered damage because of the lady. I was abandoned by my godnother and was warned that I cant enter parties again!

Slap!

Blakes cheeks turned red due to the impact.

Count Arabel slapped the child.

Are you still going to be like this?!

Ah father, how could you to me!

Look at the damage our family has suffered because of you!

Isaac and Henry burst into laughter when they saw the two fighting.

Its a live show huh.

Isaac.

When Johann said in a low voice, Henry glanced at Blake, who was pale, and said Its not wrong.

Blake who was flushed with shame, ran out of the mansion.

Count Arabel did not even hold her daughter bacj, but clings to my dad.

I followed Blake.

Blake who was squatting near the garden, was crying without a sound.

Hey.

.

Hey, Lady Arabel.

Blake slowly turned her head.

Why? Are you trying to mock me more?

Yes.

What!? But why!

I cant?

Of course! I am much older than lady. You cant speak rudely to an elder without permission!

I said, slumping down next to Blake.

Then allow me.

Why should I?

Then I will forgive you.

Blakes eyes widened and I smiled.

Im Leblaine. Nice to meet you.

Saying hello again, even though we knew each other meant that I wanted to restart our relationship again.

What are you plotting?

You dont want it? Alright then.

As I stood up, Blake quickly grabbed my wrist.

Its not that I didnt want it.

I smiled and sat back down.

Are you a prideful person? Youre strong to the weak, yet weak to the strong.

Everyone is like that.

No, youre more than that.

Are you really trying to mock me?!

Yes.

Blake glared at me, but she didnt say anything and kept her mouth shut.

The girl who was squeezing her skirt, glanced at me.

Dont you hate me?

I do.

But why are you forgiving me?

Did I say Ill forgive you? Youre my subordinate from now on.

Im a naughty kid with no such thing as compassion. There is no way that I can forgive Blake casually for spreading malicious rumors.

I have some task for you.

What?

Heres the thing. What exactly would happen after you left Dubblede? Your fathers business and sisters chance as an empress would be ruined.

.

Youre the one driving the rumour, but theres someone else who told you so right?

Blake grabbed the hem of her skirt.

I knew it.

Blake was very hostile to me from the start. From the moment we first met, she stood up as if she was determined to push me.

I didnt thought of it at first but a person came to mind.

Empress Yvonne.

!!

Did the empress said it? If you want your sister to become an empress, you have to target me. Right?

.

The empress and Duke Marche said theyll stop Dubblede thats why youre so fearless right? But after we formally protest to the Imperial Palace, didnt the empress change her mind?

How did you.

Blake, who muttered, quickly covered his mouth.

Well then.

As I crossed my arms, Blake quickly clung to me.

Dont protest the empress, and please dont tell the empress about me. Otherwise, my sister!

Blake was a very arrogant person. She never hesitate to attack the weak.

But she could change for her sister whom she cherished.

Tell me what the empress threatened you witj. Then I wont touch your sister.

.

Im the type of person who would keep my word.

Blake hesitated and glanced at me.

The empress said she will make sure my sister win. I didnt think much about it and do what she said.

Thats why malicious rumours about Cecilia were floating around.

So that Cecilia, the emperors sweetheart, will never become the empress.

Shes mean.

I got up from my seat and patted my dusty skirt.

Get up.

Huh?

I still wont forgive you.

I never asked for it though?!

The girl screamed, and I smiled.

But I can help you with the situation. This time, take my hand I have something for you to do.

What?

I replied Blake.

Lets go get revenge on the empress.

How?

Blakes eyes widened as I whispered in her ear.

No way! If you did something like that!

Trust me.

Im going to start preparing for our independence properly from now on.

To do this, it was necessary to ruin the temple, which would be a hindrance, and then Duke of Marche and Empress Yvonne.

Lets take Empress Yvonnes land first.

Dubbledes territory is rather vast, but its a little lacking to establish an empire.

I smiled viciously.

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