The incident became a topic of discussion even in noble gatherings. As the situation demanded the establishment of the future king, the sensitive nobles, attuned to power dynamics, were on edge regarding the actions of the princes.

“To think the First Prince ran away with another man, what an outrageous affair.”

Lord Honolton, who supported the Second Prince, raised his voice.

“Such a scandalous event has never occurred in the history of the kingdom. The Hyllic royal family has always prioritized honor. Having a king who not only commits adultery but even flees with his mistress is an unacceptable occurrence.”

“Her Highness reported signs of an attack! Moreover, even if there were such a dismal event, how could it tarnish the honor of the First Prince?”

Lord Rothrey spoke up, but Lord Honolton did not back down.
“If indeed there was an attack, wouldn’t it be impossible for His Highness the First Prince not to have found Her Highness the Viscountess by now? Surely he had meticulously planned to flee from the beginning.”

“That’s correct. In this situation, the divorce of both would be a matter of course, and, if I may say so, Your Highness is no longer qualified to ascend the throne.”

“In any case, even if that’s true, he could find solace in another woman.”

“The King’s health is deteriorating day by day. There won’t be enough time to proceed with the royal wedding again.”

“Be cautious in your words! Dare not to mention the King’s health so lightly.”

Lord Ancel snapped. As they said, the King’s health was worsening, and awake days were becoming scarce.

It was not unusual for them to fish for anything. Those who had always been unable to raise their heads properly under the influence of the First Prince showed an attitude as if the tide had turned.

“Her Highness is not someone who would engage in morally questionable activities like adultery.”

“None of you have seen the virtuous side of both His Highness and Lady Vi.”

“It’s all deception. Moreover, Her Highness has harbored feelings for someone else for a long time.”

“Someone else? Surely…”

“Yes, it’s Viscount Matthias Linton, who fled together this time.”

“Can you take responsibility for those words? You’ve been insulting Her Highness since earlier.”

With Lord Lotri’s provocation, Lord Honolton smirked confidently.

“He, Your Highness the First Prince, directly mentioned it when he served as a maid for Her Highness the Second Prince. Since my maid heard it clearly, isn’t it undeniable?”

“How can we believe those words?”

“Four maids, including my maid, heard it together. If you don’t believe it, that’s unavoidable unless you can distrust everyone who serves Her Highness the Second Prince.”

As Lord Honolton’s words ended, the conference room became noisy.

It had to be the person who had disappeared with Her Highness the First Princess for a while, the one she had once held feelings for. Even those who had maintained neutrality without definite evidence began to lean towards the claim that the two had truly fled for love.

Despite Lord Lotri and Viscount Ancel defending Reneola, it was not enough to calm the nobles’ confusion.

The turmoil was not limited to the nobles. The capital and the common people were also tumultuous with the unprecedented scandal of the First Princess running away with an outsider.

The investigation into Gavis Parlong and the negative rumors and reputation about her had long been anticipated. However, the reactions pouring in were based on the shocking scandal that the First Princess, who had terrible rumors, could not even move against the Crown Prince, and their affectionate appearance could not be faked.
They whispered concerns that the First Princess seemed to be in danger and speculated that the Second Princess might be behind it.

And no wonder, because when they personally met the First Princess at the temporary shelter, she wasn’t a villain. On the contrary, she showed a caring and benevolent attitude, raising doubts about the unfair rumors that had circulated about her.

The one who would benefit the most from creating such an image of her was undoubtedly the Second Princess.

The situation was similar even in the royal palace. The maids from both princes’ courts would start fights whenever they met. Most of the maids from the Second Prince’s court had been cursing the First Princess, but they were caught when the maids from the First Prince’s court overheard them.

“What kind of behavior is this!”

The disgruntled Ginger shouted, hunched over on the floor.

“Calling Her Highness immoral, what kind of nonsense is that! Can’t you cancel it immediately?”

The maid from the First Prince’s court who pushed her away retorted courageously. However, Ginger chuckled as if finding it amusing.

“What did I say wrong?”