But there was no way to bury the scandal. Even if he publicly stepped forward and confessed the truth, it wouldn’t be believed, and even if Cahilun and Renaula showed an affectionate appearance, people would think it was a lie.

‘What should I do about this?’

Matthias, lost in thought with a furrowed brow, looked at Isolra, who was watching him with a smile.

“I have a good solution.”

“Really?”

“Yes. It’s a kill-two-birds-with-one-stone trick that can quell the rumors at once and even reverse the situation.”

“What on earth is that?”

Matthias asked hastily. If there was a way to suppress the rumors, he was willing to do anything. However, at the following words from Isolra, he dropped the fork.
“My sister used to talk about Viscount Linton often. Sometimes, the two of them even spent time together. So, I wasn’t surprised when I heard the story of them running away together. The atmosphere between the two was peculiar.”

“As a parent, it might be wrong to say this, but Ain has been interested in romance since she was young. Still, now that she has risen to the position of a prince’s consort, I thought she would have control over her feelings, but…”

Violet, the Countess, dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. Of course, there was nothing on the handkerchief.

For the past few days, wherever people gathered, they rushed to add comments about Renaula.

Externally, it seemed like they were expressing concern, but hidden within was subtle blame.

Especially now, the stories about the current hottest topic, the First Prince’s consort, were particularly welcome from her close relatives.

Today as well, Violet, placing Renaula on the chopping block as planned, and Elias shared a triumphant smile.

‘If we continue a bit more like this, we’ll soon get what we want!’

The reason they were spreading rumors about Renaula to this extent was because of the agreement with Floria.

She promised to spread rumors about Renaula, not only tarnishing her reputation but also connecting Elias to a good marriage and reviving the Violet family.

Countless riches were naturally included in the promise.

However, it wasn’t just because of Floria’s coercion. They also hadn’t forgotten the grudge against Renaula for the trouble she caused them before.

‘She acted so high and mighty, but let’s see how she feels now.’

Elias chuckled inwardly. Having handed over a few coins and treated people poorly, she ran away because of a mere breeze. How much he had laughed at it was immeasurable.

There were some who criticized them, saying how family could blame each other, but initially, it was Renaula who betrayed the family first.

She was greedy from a young age, and even after becoming a prince’s consort, she still lived well, eating and living alone.

‘We didn’t ask for much, and if she’s family, there are things she should naturally do for us.’

Moreover, it was because of me that Renaula could become the prince’s consort in the first place.

So, it’s only right that she provides proper compensation. It was irritating to be treated like a hindrance to her family now.

Not only did she think so, but it seemed that everyone else did too.

The mother, who suffered because of her daughter, and even the usually quiet father, were actively wooing the nobles.

Even the Countess, who used to hate Floria so much, now kept saying that Floria was better than her own daughter.

‘That’s why all of this is Renaula’s fault.’
Elias chuckled heartily. Having torn down Renaula while spreading rumors about Floria, it was certain that if Renaula ascended to the position of queen, marriage with a prestigious family was guaranteed.

Thinking about the prospect of living as the wife of a powerful family, he couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Rumors about Renaula became increasingly malicious.

As family members stepped forward to add more details, even those who were initially on the side of the First Prince and the prince consort began to harbor suspicions one by one.

On the contrary, Floria, who showed an embracing attitude toward the Violet family, gained more and more popularity.

It was considered that she had sufficient qualifications as the queen of Hilik. Even in noble meetings, the influence gradually tilted toward the Second Prince’s faction, to the point where it wouldn’t be strange for Eric to ascend to the throne at any moment.

Then, finally, the First Prince returned to the royal palace.

Beside him was the rumored prince consort who had supposedly eloped, and the supposed lover, Viscount Linton, was also present.

The scandal surrounding the prince consort gained more strength due to her looking unexpectedly well, raising questions about whether she had really suffered from the incident.

Everyone was curious about what kind of punishment the cruel and infamous First Prince, who had supposedly betrayed the prince consort, would impose. However, things unfolded completely differently from everyone’s expectations.