Judith and Anna had been worrying about Elaina for a while now.

They even stood in front of the bedroom, openly staring at Elaina.

The reason was simple.

It was because of the nasty rumors that were shaking not only the imperial palace, but all of Edenbell.

…… But surprisingly, their lady seemed to be unaffected, as if she were made of steel.

“The cake is delicious, Judith. This must be your handiwork…… and this black tea must have been brewed by Anna, right?”

Moreover, Elaina was even smiling as she ate the lightly brewed black tea and sweet cake they had brought her.

…… Has lady Elaina’s mind finally broken!

Even someone as kind and warm as lady Elaina couldn’t overcome this crazy imperial family after all? No, maybe that’s why she ended up like this.

Should we ask that doctor who came last time to also examine her head? We can’t trust any of the imperial doctors as they all belong to the emperor and Hister……

Judith and Anna felt their vision going white at the thought…… but regardless of whether she knew their feelings or not, Elaina continued speaking.

“It would have been nice if Sinclair were here too. Judith and Anna, you’re still afraid of Sinclair, right?”

“What? Uh…… that’s true…….”

“If we had tea time together while showing off both of your skills, it could have been a chance to become closer. It’s such a shame.”

Cakes and black tea like this could be made and brewed anytime. That wasn’t what was important right now.

The two quietly exchanged glances, and before long, Judith parted her lips very carefully.

“Um…… lady Elaina, I’m sorry but…… are you alright?”

“About what?”

Elaina asked back, her eyes wide.

“Is there any reason I shouldn’t be alright?”

“No, that’s not it…… but lady Elaina, you’ve already heard about it too. About the rumor going around right now…….”

“……..”

“Of course, we don’t believe any of that nonsense at all! We can swear on our lives before God! It’s just…… we’re really worried…….”

Unfortunately, Judith couldn’t finish her words.

It was because of Sinclair, who appeared emitting a cold aura that seemed like he could kill Hister right now and still have energy left over.

“Gr…… greetings to your highness the prince.”

No matter how Elaina saw it, there were still plenty of people who feared Sinclair Butler. Especially those belonging to the imperial palace.

So needless to say, Judith and Anna were flustered seeing Sinclair like this.

“…… You two, leave us for a bit.”

“Yes, yes. Please call us anytime if you need anything.”

The two left the room in a hurry as if being chased out, and soon only Elaina, who was still looking at Sinclair unfazed, and Sinclair, who faced her biting his lips in contrast, were left in the bedroom.

“…… Elaina.”

Even after calling Elaina’s name, Sinclair couldn’t continue speaking. He just bit his lip, deep in thought.

…… Where should I even begin? That I’m sorry you got involved in this because of me? That I can sufficiently resolve this, so you don’t need to worry at all?

How could such irresponsible words even exist in this world?

And as if she had seen through Sinclair’s heart, Elaina slowly parted her lips.

“Why do you have that expression? Sinclair. As if you’ve committed a crime.”

“Elaina, I…….”

“If the only thing you’re worried about is my feelings, I’ll be quite disappointed in you frankly.”

Elaina said with a smile.

“I’ve told you many times. I’m very used to nasty rumors like this. And that kind of treatment too.”

“…… No, I’m not okay with it.”

“What?”

“I’m not okay with you being caught up in such nasty rumors at all. Nor with you receiving that kind of treatment.”

Elaina froze for a moment at Sinclair’s unexpected reaction.

“Of course, it’s my fault that you got involved in this. I know that too. But…….”

“Sinclair, this isn’t your fault.”

“…… What?”

“From the moment I entered the wedding hall with you, I made up my mind. That all of this is my choice. So it doesn’t matter what process or result awaits.”

Unlike what everyone thought, Elaina wasn’t someone with such a fragile heart. Rather the opposite, in fact.

So, she had made up her mind and decided from that day. That even if she gets swept up and entangled in anything, she won’t resent Sinclair.

Because she was the one who chose to marry him.

“Did you regret not killing Melvin? That you left him alive for nothing?”

It would be a blatant lie to say he hadn’t regretted it. But Sinclair already knew. That even if he had killed Melvin then, it wouldn’t have really helped.

“Even if Melvin died, Hister could have easily created such rumors. Maybe the fact that you killed Melvin itself would have doubled the scandal. No, it definitely would have.”

And it seemed Elaina thought the same. Hister might have liked it even more if he had killed him.

Not only did that scoundrel Sinclair orchestrate this, but he even went so far as to kill the pitiful Aswald family members – he could have added that on top.

“There’s nothing about this that is your fault, Sinclair. So there’s no need for you to blame yourself either. And of course, the same goes for me.”

But what Elaina was worried about was Sinclair’s reputation, which was sinking into an even worse mess than before.

…… How did it build up to this point?

She had no intention of quietly watching everything collapse in an instant like this.

Also, if Sinclair really minded her getting involved in this……

“But there is one thing I believe in.”

“What?”

“You said you’re skilled at this kind of fight, right? Sinclair. Extremely so.”

Elaina slowly got up from her seat and limped over.

Then she stood in front of Sinclair and kindly looked into his angry golden eyes.

“I know you’re not the type to just take this lying down. And that as soon as you heard the news, you thought over and over about how to end this most refreshingly.”

“…….”

“If that’s not the case, then I guess I overestimated you? While being completely immersed in the vain delusion of being able to take Edenbell’s scoundrel and keep him in my pocket.”

Sinclair laughed bitterly at Elaina’s playful words.

“So, Sinclair.”

Elaina reached out slowly and lightly grasped his large hand with blue veins bulging, saying:

“I’m really, truly alright, so do as you wish.”

“…….”

“However you plan to act, I will gladly stand by your side.”

Elaina was right.

Stronger than the anger boiling up like fire upon hearing the news was……

The reason that they had to somehow restore Elaina’s honor and end this matter without any damage. And if possible, while returning the favor to Hister.

No, he thought that’s what must be done.

He didn’t want to let Elaina get hurt anymore because of him.

If he were to back down here out of worry that Elaina would be wounded, he knew that alone would hurt her heart even more.

Elaina also knew this fact, which is why she was saying these words to him.

Sinclair now knew well. That Elaina was a woman who was always stronger and wiser than him.

In the end, the only one who enabled Sinclair to break free from this mire and move forward was none other than Elaina.

Likewise, the only one who could sink him into the mire was also none other than Elaina.

“…… It seems it was a very good decision to hold the debutante yesterday.”

And Sinclair said in a very low voice, looking at her:

“It was an excellent choice. Anyhow, it’s customary to hold a debutante before officially starting social activities. Right?”

“But even though it was a debutante with just the two of us?”

“Yes. Even though it was a debutante with just the two of us.”

Anyhow, we just need to keep up appearances, right? Elaina laughed at Sinclair’s words.

“Schuler was saying earlier. That people are calling us the cunning prince and princess.”

“I like it. I think it’s much better than being a half-wit. At least being cunning is the opposite of being stupid, right?”

This time Sinclair laughed out loud. As if he had heard a very amusing piece of news.

“If it’s said that the cunning prince and princess are making an appearance, it will surely draw attention anywhere.”

Elaina, who had a vague idea of what Sinclair intended to do, continued with a smile.

“Or should we tour all of Edenbell together? As if we’re the protagonists?”

“Yes, that’s not bad either.”

“Right?”

“I’ve been the only protagonist all this time, so I feel a bit less burdened now that you say you’ll join me.”

There was no telling who initiated it first. Before they knew it, their hands were tightly clasped together. They smiled at each other as if they had nothing to do with that filthy rumor.

…… Of course, Judith and Anna, who were so worried that they had their ears pressed against the bedroom door, thought ‘it’s a bit much to say this, but the two of them have definitely gone crazy together’, but there was no way for Elaina and Sinclair to know that.

“Prepare the carriage.”

“Th, the carriage?”

Anna, who was standing outside the door, stammered in surprise, and Sinclair told her again as if it were nothing.

“Yes, the carriage.”

“…….”

“The most luxurious and splendid one. Fitting for being called cunning.”

…… I’ll show you what being truly cunning is, Hister.

Unlike earlier when he had a guilty look, Sinclair smiled wickedly as he tightly held Elaina’s hand and muttered to himself.