“Probably within a few days, an envoy will arrive at the palace.”

“If it’s an envoy, why on earth…”

“It seems that news of Duke Ansgar’s survival has reached the palace. It looks like a grand celebration will be held, both to congratulate the victory and for a splendid banquet. Since it’s a gathering for Duke Ansgar, Adel will receive an invitation as well.”

“Oh.”

Adel nodded, but in her heart, she only thought of not wanting to go to the palace. Until she turned fifteen, Lord Lyrhenaue made her receive education like Sharlotte. As a lady in the social circle, she had to learn not only dances and manners that ladies must know but also ancient languages and herbology.

Of course, Adel didn’t want such education. However, Sharlotte, always ignorant of her place, used to torment her. She would forcibly drag her to small social gatherings attended by young aristocrats, make her eat gruel, or make her stand by and listen to humiliating words. It was common for her to physically attack the maids and forcibly pull Adel out to lift her skirt.

If she went to the palace, she would inevitably encounter memories from that time.

‘Of course, Father… will come too.’

Thinking of him, her heart sank. Lord Lyrhenaue was an indifferent father to his daughters, and unless Sharlotte threatened Adel’s life, he would not intervene no matter what she did. His only concern was whether Adel revealed exceptional skills in healing or magic.

If she didn’t progress from the previous month, she underwent severe punishment, and there were times when she was locked in a freezing room until she brought out something similar to healing or magic.

If Count Lyrhenaue didn’t give up the delusion that there was a tremendous power hidden in Adel, she might still not have escaped from that terrible house.

Just the thought of meeting those two women and facing them made her breath catch.

“How long is the duration of the banquet?”

“It will continue with a victory ceremony, a commemorative hunting festival, and a ball. Approximately a week to ten days should be expected. The problem is…”

Padre’s voice lowered even more.

“It’s Prince Mikhail who will lead this event. And behind him seems to be Duke Ansgar.”

“If it’s Duke Ansgar, could you mean Prince Oscar?”

Adel’s eyes widened at the unexpected information. Padre nodded with a stern expression.

Indeed. It was strange that someone as proactive as Greta, who even planned to flee with her, suddenly disappeared. Still, she didn’t think she would be at the palace.

“There are rumors in the capital that Prince Oscar hasn’t been in his right mind since the Duke recovered. Actually, there are rumors that Prince Oscar spread rumors himself, questioning the memory and behavior of Prince Valentin.”
This was not at all surprising. Oscar had always been an ambitious figure eyeing his brother’s position. Out of respect for the remaining brother, he had reluctantly turned away with a black heart hidden inside, and now he had missed that position right in front of his nose. His already short patience must have completely dried up.

So, if it was Duke Ansgar, it was a natural course of events for him to attach himself to the crown prince who disliked studying. Padre spoke as if expressing concern.

“If we strictly consider the succession order, Duke Ansgar is right after the crown prince. The reason for hosting a victory banquet at such a time is undoubtedly… As Adel may know, in a gathering of all nobles, they intend to brand the duke as an incurable cripple.”

“But His Highness has no problem with his cognitive functions.”

“At least it’s not as certain as his articulate recovery, don’t you think? Once rumors start spreading, it will be unstoppable. Naturally, public opinion will form suggesting that Duke Ansgar should pass the throne to the crown prince.”

Padre’s gentle eyes showed concern. Wrinkles were already forming around the eyes of the priest who had been looking after her since she was very young.

“So, the more satisfied you are now, the more you should look around and be prepared.”

“Thank you for the advice. If it weren’t for Padre, I wouldn’t have known all this…”

“If you’re really grateful to me, when you come up to the Pragma, please stop by the Great Hall at least once. Although His Holiness doesn’t say anything, he is very concerned.”

“I will do that.”

Thinking of the greedy gaze of the old pope, her whole body felt like it was freezing, but Adel nodded without showing any expression. When Adel got off Padre’s carriage, as if waiting, the coachman whipped the horse’s hindquarters. Eventually, the priests began to leave Ansgar Castle in a long procession.

Adel watched the procession for a long time, her nose turning pale, then lifted her cloak and turned towards the castle.

“Ah… it’s cold. So cold. Highness, should I prepare a carriage in the reception room?”

Yannick asked Adel warmly as he took her coat. Although Margaret sent a subtle glance at Yannick’s reckless behavior, she seemed to agree with that opinion.

Margaret gently persuaded her.