“Because of the false accusation unfairly placed on your father, our family’s reputation has suffered, but…”

The words about the reputation of our family continued to rise up to the throat, so instead, she tilted the teacup. The Countess wiped her tears with a handkerchief and continued speaking.

“Still, it’s not something we can just send your only sister off to anyone. Look, see how pale she is worrying about marriage. ”

The Countess reached out and held Eliya’s face, but contrary to her words, Eliya, whose face had become smoother than a few days ago, pouted. The Countess quickly made excuses for Eliya’s face, which had gained some weight from crying for several days.

“She cried for days, so her face swelled a bit… Anyway, it’s a good thing if Eliya marries into a good family. With the impending conflict over the succession to the throne between the second prince and the eldest prince, having one more person on your side would be better.”

Violet, the Countess who had been imprisoned in connection to a fraud case orchestrated by Floria’s scheme, was recently released. I thought that the Countess and Eliya, who were driven out of the palace, would come soon, but I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.

I glanced at the two sitting in front of me while sipping tea. Beside the Countess, who wiped her tears with a handkerchief, Eliya was looking at me with a pitiful expression.

“I knew it, but she’s more shameless than I thought.”

It was surprising to hear such words from Kahilern, whose support among the nobles had been damaged due to the Count’s actions. Of course, Floria’s cunning trap played a part, but initially, the Count’s business plan was hopelessly flawed.

The fact that it was an artisan of the first prince that nobles invested in probably played a significant role. Of course, the investment was minimal as they didn’t trust me much.

“Eliya is already twenty-one. It’s already late. It would be better not to delay any longer; otherwise, she might end up in an undesirable place.”

“I absolutely hate that!”

Eliya hastily got up from her chair and clung to my knees.

“Does it make sense for the only sister of the soon-to-be queen to end up in an unheard-of family? Isn’t it a disgrace to your sister’s dignity?”

“Reneolla, it’s not something you have to worry about too much. Request the prince’s mediation. And how about taking Eliya back as your maid? It seems she doesn’t have a proper maid yet, as she seems to be using a servant. Unlike Floria, who has four maids.”

The Countess, who was subtly gesturing towards Sylvia standing quietly behind me, said. Eliya nodded in agreement, shaking her head as if she had been waiting.

“Right, sister. After marriage, it will be difficult to see you often. It would be nice if I could stay by your side until then.”

Holding my hand on one side and clinging to my knees on the other, they looked like children forming a group. After quietly observing the two, I pulled out the hand held by the Countess. The Countess’s eyes widened.
“Mother.”

“Yes? Uh, yes.”

When I lowered my voice, the Countess’s face showed a surprised expression. Eliya, who had been clinging to my knees, also seemed to sense my change in demeanor.

“Countess Violet.”

“Yes?”

“Before being Reneola of Violet House, I am the Prince of this kingdom. Please be cautious in your words and actions.”

The Countess’s expression stiffened at the cold tone of my voice. When I turned my gaze down, Eliya got up from her seat, looking somewhat disheartened.

“Sister, why say such bitter words?”

“Well, Reneola, it’s disappointing. I am your mother. If a mother can’t treat her daughter kindly, who else will?”

“Even in front of others, speaking so casually like this, what will happen to my dignity and authority?”

“You, really…”

As the Countess only chewed on her lower lip without continuing her words, Eliya stepped forward to speak instead. The expression that, until a moment ago, seemed ready to give and forgive everything changed completely.

“Sister, what’s with this harsh language, even if he’s a prince? Now that he’s a prince, aren’t we no longer a family?”

“Miss Eliya, please mind your language. Raising your voice in front of Prince Bee goes against proper etiquette.”

“You be quiet! Where does a lowly maid like you interfere?”

Though the inexperienced Sylvia tried to intervene, Eliya’s anger was evident. With a flushed face, Eliya continued.

“Sister, even though you’ve become a prince’s wife, how can you say such harsh words to our mother who gave birth to you? Now that you’ve become a prince’s wife, are we not family anymore?”

“Lady Eliya, you’re going too far. Speaking disrespectfully in front of Prince Bee goes against proper etiquette.”

“You be quiet! How can a mere servant like you interfere?”

Sylvia, who was unsophisticated, protested, but Eliya’s determination was clear. With a face that turned red and blue, Eliya spoke.

“Sister becoming a prince’s wife is all thanks to me! If it weren’t for you, I would be the one sitting in that position, not you!”

No intention to hide it at all.