I learned about Princess Diana’s news through Betty.

“…So, Princess Diana went to the royal prison under Prince Carlos’s orders?”

“Yes. Princess Diana used violence first, so there was nothing the Roylum Kingdom could say.”

Upon hearing the news about Diana, I unconsciously sighed.

‘What should I do about this?’

Especially, it was more dangerous since my name was being mentioned in connection with Princess Diana.

Betty said firmly, “You need to inform Lady Patricia and firmly deny the story, stating that you have nothing to do with it.”

“Will it quiet down if I do that?”

“Anyway, there is little connection between you and this incident. If you deny it, there’s nothing Prince Carlos can do, even if he comes forward.”

I recalled Princess Diana’s face, who had continuously stood up for me. Betty held my hands firmly and said, “Madam, I understand your feelings. Princess Diana probably genuinely stepped forward for you to correct the false rumors. However, in the end, you got entangled in a bigger problem. In such situations, it’s best not to step forward.”

Betty prioritized me as her lady.

“…Was there any other story about the saint?”

“Yes. There’s a story that the saint mediated between the two and defended you, but everyone seems reluctant to mention that story.”

For some reason, I continued to be concerned about the part regarding the saint.

‘It was the same with Miryu.’

When trying to find a connection between Miryu and the saint, Miryu had met a suspicious death.

‘Maybe it won’t end with Diana.’

I said to Betty, “Thank you for always thinking of me. For now, send my letter to the acting King of Roylum.”

It was necessary to know precisely how the situation had unfolded from Princess Diana’s perspective. Betty nodded with a sad expression.

“I knew Madam would try to save Princess Diana.”

“Huh?”

“I have a connection with a noble lady who was present at the scene. I’ll arrange a separate place for her to help you understand the situation easily.”

“…Alright. Thank you.”

Betty greeted me and opened the door. However, on the other side of that door stood a handsome man in elegant attire. Seeing Betty leaving, Johann asked me, “Did you write a letter to Roylum Kingdom?”

“Yes. Have you heard anything about Diana?”

“I’ve heard quite a bit. It seems Roylum Kingdom has no intention of rescuing Princess Diana.”

“…What?”

The Roylum Kingdom I knew was a place where family ties were very strong.

‘It’s not like Queen Isabella.’

But since it was information from Johann, it shouldn’t be incorrect. I met Johann’s glowing red eyes.
“What on earth happened to Acting King of Roylum…?”

“Do you want to save Princess Diana?”

Johann leaned against the door, lifting the corner of his mouth subtly.

“If you want to save her, I’ll help you.”

“Isn’t it difficult?”

“It’s not impossible.”

Honestly, even though my name was involved, the connection with me was a minor incident. Moreover, when the Duchess Blanche intervened, there might be resistance from others.

“But Estelle, do you really have to save that woman?”

“What if I don’t?”

“There’s no reason for you to save her in the first place. Of course, you have a friendship with her now, and she’s someone who helps you. However, in this situation, there’s no worth in going out of your way to save her.”

Johann’s voice was sweet and enchanting like a devil. Just listening to his voice made my mood hazy, as if I were drunk.

“This time is the same. Princess Diana’s actions were reckless, and the situation escalated because of her, just like when she attacked and insulted you blindly to support Miryu last time.”

“…”

“Will you keep getting involved in tiresome and troublesome matters by helping her like this?”

“…”

“Princess Diana is not someone who will succeed the Roylum Kingdom, and now that she no longer holds the title of a knight, she won’t be useful in the future. There’s no way the Acting King of the Kingdom will hold a grudge against you for not helping Princess Diana.”

Johann’s red eyes that met mine sparkled brightly. Somehow, it felt chilling in my chest.

“Do you want me to turn away from Diana, Estelle?”

“The choice is yours.”

Johann approached slowly until he was right in front of me. Looking up at Johann from up close, I felt a sense of intimidation.

“I’ll only help your choice come true. So, what do you want to do?”

“I…”

Queen Isabella found Princess Diana imprisoned.

Despite Princess Diana not committing a clear offense, and her status being high, the prison was as luxurious as a guest room.

But seeing her daughter sitting silently in prison pained Queen Isabella’s heart.

“You did well. Following Hessen, now you’ve messed up your mother’s internal affairs.”

Princess Diana apologized with her head bowed.

“I’m sorry, Mother. Blame me.”

“Do you truly mean that?”

Queen Isabella asked as if she doubted her sincerity.

“If so, you won’t receive any protection. Do you know how cruel the empire can be to those of lower status?”

“I’m sorry, Mother.”