Translator: effefille

Proofreader: xoxomonami

Cedrics tone was stern.

I thought it was weird yesterday. I apologized to Lady Keshore and the other guests and sent them home. I asked why Alphonse wasnt next to you and thats when a thought came to mind. How would you, the clever Aritzea, not know that Madam Rosan would appear.

.

I told Alphonse to stay by your side. I know that it has a symbolic meaning that shows to others that I am always by your side and am protecting you even when Im not physically there.

Artizea turned away from his sharp gaze. She couldnt figure out why he was upset.

But I couldnt get it out of my mind why you asked Alphonse to leave the house the day you invited guests. You knew that Madam Rosan was coming back that day? Did you?

I mean I dont know everything

Thats not the answer. Is this one of your schemes or not?

.

Artizea hesitated to answer.

It was possible to make things up without telling him. However, it was disloyal to tell a lie when asked.

Yes.

Artizea replied and glanced at Cedric.

It wasnt something that she couldnt talk about. What she noticed was that Cedric was very angry.

I didnt say it was to add more fire. I was simply inviting guests to match the day my mother would come back. And it was necessary.

Artizea sighed a little, but she spoke honestly.

Because she promised she would talk about it later when she was up to something.

I wanted to make sure that I had an opportunity to completely cut off my relationship with the Madam of Rosan, Artizea said.

Anyone who didnt know how much Miraila hated Artizea would know now.

Anyone who saw her at the ball would also know that she was being treated poorly by the Marquis of Rosans Madam.

Nevertheless, however, people valued family ties.

Anyone who didnt know her in person, or people outside the social circle, will say that no matter the situation is behind closed doors, one shouldnt treat their mother that way.

Even those who knew, would think that the mother and daughter relationship could not easily be torn apart.

And if there was no trigger, I couldnt get the title of Rosan right away. I took the keys and ledger from Bill, but the moveable property in the mansions vault is only a small fraction.

Tia.

In the case of business management, estates, and other property in other areas, all of them are entrusted to the representatives, and the representatives are those chosen by His Majesty, the Emperor. Even if I get married and inherit the title, my mother would not give it up easily.

However, as things have come to this end, neither the Emperor nor Lawrence will be able to take Mirailas side because of her actions.

Dont pretend you dont know and give your daughter her legitimate rights.

Until now, in front of the emperor, she acted more and more like a gentle filial daughter. Now the time has come to reap the fruit.

Its like Ive lost my dignity as someone to be the Great Duchess of Evron, but my reputation would have been broken anyway. Its better for me to be a poor girl than to do something like a court battle and splash muddy water to the Evron name.

A battle for property between mother and daughter was also a battle against the emperors government and its arms.

Even the flowers that Miraila had on her head would become a topic of interest- enough for newspapers to write sensational articles about it.

Artizea could not be left that way.

Not for herself, but for the Grand Duchess of Evron.

Tia.

The fortune of the Marquis of Rosan is by no means small. It will be of great help to Your Grace in the future. Conversely, it is too big to keep in the hands of Brother Lawrence.

Cedric covered his face with his palm.

So youre saying that it was necessary for you to get beaten?

Yes, Artizea said so without any hesitation.

It wasnt that she wasnt scared, but because it was necessary, she was willing to make the sacrifice. Shes only put a little trick on whats about to happen.

Then things went as they pleased, and she had to endure.

Ive been thinking about it since I went into bed last night about how I wouldnt be mad at you. I even opened my eyes this morning and reminded myself of that, but youre not making this easy.

But Cedric was really angry. Artizea could not understand it.

Why are you upset? Im sorry I didnt tell you in advance, but this was something that could really benefit you from a little effort. I didnt feel that it was worth talking about. No one was injured. I heard that Alice sprained her hand, but there wouldnt be any big injury.

It was Miraila who hit her, and the guests saw it. The only person that was unjustly harmed was Alice, who shielded her and was also badly beaten.

In this matter, there was nothing that could violate Cedrics morality.

Arent you hurt? Cedric said in a repressed voice.

It was an unexpected remark. Artizea blinked a few times.

Tia, Im not angry because I thought there would be no reason for what you did. Im angry because you put yourself at risk.

Well, I, it wasnt very dangerous, because I knew my mother would never have killed me, Artizea replied in a stutter.

You cant do that. You shouldnt use yourself as a tool. If you continue calculating in this way and things go according to plan, youll end up giving your life someday. This is not how a person should be treated, even if it is your body, Cedric said in a low tone.

Artizea couldnt say anything and looked at him.

Because it really was so.

She thought that she wouldnt waste the rest of her life this time.

A life without limbs and no tongue, it would be meaningless to spend a few more years even with the help of someone.

So, she wanted to use this life a little more usefully.

Until now, Artizea had only perceived that her body was a cheap resource with little cost.

No need for money to buy it, no effort to buy loyalty.

She also priced loyalty. It was difficult to obtain a loyal person, and once consumed, that was the end.

In addition, there was a limit to a persons willpower, so if you constantly ask for hard work, theyll cut you off.

So you should buy loyalty, but carefully choose where to use it.

Compared to that, her body was too simple.

There was no complaint or fear of betrayal.

So she was embarrassed. Shes never heard such a thing before.

Health, yes, everyone was concerned about health.

She knew that Alice was always worried, and Sophie also kept notes.

After establishing herself as the heir of the Marquis of Rosan, they were her employees. The flattering crowd was only concerned about her health with exaggerated remarks.

Even Lawrence sent medicine.

Because she was a difficult resource to replace.

When she was very young, even Miraila took care of her when she was sick.

But now, when she said its necessary everyone would follow suit.

Even Alice said, If so, it cant be helped.

And she would just take care of her with a sad face. It was the first time she was angry.

Someone said that her body shouldnt be used as a tool.

Someone said she was a person.

I said clearly at first. If you want to join hands with me, you shouldnt hurt yourself either.

Ah.

It was funny when she heard it, but she had never really taken it in mind. So Artizea sighed briefly.

Cedric glared at her.

Were you not even thinking about it?

.

Cedric moved and approached the bed.

Artizea bowed her head.

Sorry.

Cedric grabbed her hand, which was lying on the blanket, casually. Then he wrapped it warmly with both hands.

Theres another thing youve done wrong.

Yes.

Artizea said in a crawling voice. Now there was no excuse.

You shouldnt behave like you caused me trouble.

I dont think Ive caused you any trouble. Im grateful for you. I didnt even think youd come directly

But actually, did you think I would send a few people without going directly myself after hearing the news?

Artizea looked at him with a subtle look. She didnt think that way.

Anyway, her plans included help coming from the Grand Duke of Evron.

It was the result of considering Rizes quick-minded personality and that Marcus Hanson was trusted by Evron.

But she didnt think Cedric would come.

She didnt predict who was coming, who wasnt coming, no specific case.

I did what I had to do. I know that you take this engagement as just in name, and you dont accept me as a real fianc. If so, consider me as a companion.

I am a body that has decided to serve your Grace as my master. Why would you say that.

So, why dont you want my protection? It may be your role to think and move, but it is my role to protect you.

..

Artizea bit her lower lip.

Now, do you know what to say to me?

It was a little confusing.

Artizea hesitated.

She was good at seeing through peoples minds and was always ready to get the results she wanted.

But now what Cedric wants her to say was Im sorry. or thank you.

Eventually, she said with a new reddish face, I was happy you came to save me.

It was a shameful thing for her to say to others.

Cedrics face turned red just like her.

But he didnt let go of her hand. Rather, he gave it strength to hold it tighter.

Artizea lowered her head.