“You lived while struggling…?”

“I was born without the hereditary traits of the family and grew up constantly being pointed at as a illegitimate existence. My mother, who gave birth to me, also had to endure disdain and persecution.”

…!

“All I could do was to seek even a little attention from my father and read books in his study. Eventually, I got immersed in scholarship, graduated from university, and wanted to go out into society independently using my abilities.”

“…So, that’s why you enrolled in the Imperial University?”

“Yes. While I enjoyed accumulating knowledge, it was also the only way I could fight against the unjust world that denied me.”

“But… you married Elyos Grand Duke in the end. Instead of the social independence you aimed for, didn’t you choose a high position and a stable life as a noble?”

“That’s…”

Unable to easily talk about the circumstances behind her marriage to Kaeron, Idel hesitated for a moment. However, soon she firmly made up her mind.

For some reason… she didn’t want to hide the truth in the face of the burning emotions within her.

Especially with the experience of being rejected by her female peers, Idel, even though she didn’t express it openly, didn’t want to disappoint Ophelia, who clearly showed her favor.

Approaching her honestly, wanting to make her understand, and also wanting to be understood.

“I was engaged to someone from another family before marrying Grand Duke. That person was an abuser who thought of women as mere sexual objects, despite being as old as my father.”

“Goodness, such a terrible thing…!”

In response to Idel’s calm confession, Ophelia exclaimed in shock. If she were in Idel’s position, she would never have been able to endure such a thing.

“Regardless of my intentions, I wanted to escape from a marriage that progressed without my consent. Coincidentally, I took the Imperial University exam, passed, but…”

Even though she had made up her mind, Idel hesitated again about continuing the story. However, looking at Ophelia’s bluish-green eyes, moist with empathy as if deeply understanding her situation, Idel’s brief hesitation soon disappeared.
“…The problem is that even if you graduate from university, there is an Imperial law that noblewomen cannot achieve social independence unless they divorce.”

“What did you say? The noble culture in Yupter is conservative, but having such a law…”

“In a situation where I couldn’t do this or that, the Grand Duke helped me. He proposed to me so that I could avoid an unwanted marriage and supported me to attend university.”

“Elyos Grand Duke?”

Ophelia’s mouth gaped open upon hearing the hidden story behind the engagement of the Grand Duke couple.

The Grand Duke she knew was a cold-blooded man who had no concern for a woman’s heart and had no understanding of emotions like love. She thought it was strange when he suddenly announced his marriage, but…

“For Elyos Grand Duke to come forward and rescue you first… It seems he truly fell for you at first sight, just as the rumors say.”

“…!”

Idel’s pupils shook faintly at Ophelia’s words, which seemed to express disbelief. Idel bit her lips after opening them briefly.

She wanted to tell the truth in her conversation with Ophelia, but she couldn’t bring herself to talk about the fact of the contractual marriage with the Grand Duke.

At the moment when Idel hesitated, Ophelia suddenly revealed her own feelings.

“To be honest… I also fell for Elyos Grand Duke when I first saw him at the diplomatic procession.”

“…!”

“Ah… Don’t misunderstand. I’m so uncomfortable with the Duke now that I can’t even stand to look at his face.”

Seeing Idel, who looked bewildered, Ophelia reassured her with a wave of her hand.

“You might have been surprised if you had seen it too. The Duke, who always coldly rejected any woman confessing to him… After accidentally witnessing that scene, my heart felt like it stopped.”

Even now, Ophelia shuddered, embracing herself with both arms as if thinking it was terrible.

In fact, when I heard the news of the Duke’s marriage, I felt sorry for you. I thought that living with such a cold man wouldn’t be happy for a woman.”

“That’s a misunderstanding. Thanks to the Grand Duke, I’m feeling a happiness I’ve never felt in my life.”

“I see. In that case, I can only acknowledge it more.”

Ophelia nodded with a smile, exuding complete favor towards Idel.

“You are a person with a strong and resilient inner self, who endured and won the struggles of your own life. So, you managed to penetrate even the heart of such an icy man.”

Overflowing with a smile that lit up her eyes, Ophelia showed clear goodwill towards Idel.

“When Rainian comes to Lisandro, he said he would introduce a women’s rights expert, right?”

“Ah… Yes, that’s right. He said he knows someone well.”

“Then let me introduce instead of Rainian.”

“What? You’re going to introduce instead of him…?”

“Nice to meet you. I am Ophelia, the president of the ‘Active Women’s Association’ in Rainian.”

…!

Surprised by Ophelia’s self-introduction and the offer to shake hands, Idel’s pupils widened.