“You sound remarkably shameless about snooping around in other people’s business.”

“Call it a business principle. Go in.”

Karl gestured towards the door with his chin. I remained still, looking at him, then thought, ‘Annoying as he is, he did help me get back safely.’

“Thanks for earlier.”

I called out gruffly and quickly entered my room. Strangely, my words always come out harshly in front of that man. Maybe it’s because of how we first met.

“No, it’s because you always tease me.”

“What were you doing out so late?”

Startled by the clear voice of Ginger, whom I thought was asleep, I furrowed my brow.

‘What’s she thinking, making that typically mischievous face?’

Whatever it was, I decided to sleep first.

“Taking a walk.”

Overcome by sudden fatigue, I answered briefly and lay down on the bed.

Soon after, I became the protagonist of a rumor that a maid had been entertaining a man in the castle.

Ginger, that infuriating girl. Of all people, she had to spread the rumor with Gavis Palong?

The rumor surrounding me was simple.

It was a distasteful yet infuriating story that I, smitten by the notable Gavis Palong, seduced him with my body every night.

With my meeting with Gavis through Floria’s introduction added to the mix, the rumor was accepted as fact.

Naturally, Floria heard about it. She called me immediately. Her face, looking even more radiant from her pleasant honeymoon, held Floria’s hands and asked with concern,

“Sister, is the rumor true?”

“No, absolutely not. It’s just a baseless rumor.”

“But everyone believes it’s real. This could harm not only your reputation but also the reputation of our Violet family. In light of this, wouldn’t it be better to hasten your marriage?”
In a country where relationships and scandals are not uncommon, the idea of marriage over just one rumor seemed absurd. Yet, Floria seemed intent on pushing it through to the end this time.

Having failed to persuade her, I left the room with a throbbing headache.

Whispers of the maids, which had been quiet for a while, now echoed from all around.

Although Sylvia was fervently defending me, saying it absolutely wasn’t true, it seemed to be in vain. I glared at Ginger, who was smirking at me from a distance.

‘If I really end up marrying that crazy pervert Gavis Palong, you’ll be the first one I won’t let off.’

I clenched and unclenched my fists, grinding my teeth.

Heading to the outer palace upon being summoned by Isolla, I ran into Matthias, who was on his way to see me. With a worried expression, he hesitated before asking in a trembling voice,

“Is it true that you are going to marry Earl Gavis Palong?”

The rumor has spread this far? No, more importantly, when did the story of me falling head over heels for Gavis Palong turn into a marriage? I sighed and shook my head.

“No, it’s just a baseless rumor.”

“Is, is that so?”

Matthias’s face visibly brightened. Even his pale cheeks seemed to regain some color. He looked unusually pleased, then suddenly brushed his neck sheepishly.

“Well, Earl Palong is not well-spoken of. He’s been involved in several scandals with ladies. He’s not a match for you, Lady Reneola.”

“That’s right. He’s even worse in person.”

“I don’t know who spread such a ridiculous rumor. It’s incredibly malicious.”

Matthias, uncharacteristically, was showing anger. I appreciated his concern for me.

“Thank you for worrying about me.”

At my thanks, Matthias appeared to want to say something, then blushed and bowed his head deeply.