Chapter 9

Beware of the Younger Brother 

Like all other medieval fantasy novels, there was the presence of a patriarchal society and a conservative society, but in the case of Duke Podebrat, it was rather extreme.

Anyone could tell that he was very conservative. He never directed a warm gaze or interest towards his first daughter, Melissa. In contrast, he actively pleased and flattered Melissa’s younger brother, Jake. He even went as far as sending him to study in another country. There was a reason why her brother had grown up into such a crooked character.

Melissa, who had naturally come to dislike her father, had never started a conversation with her father and the same was true for the Duke.

“……”

So, even though he heard my request, he continued to ignore me. He even went as far as to turn his head to the side, so he didn’t have to face me.

Of course, that didn’t mean my feelings weren’t hurt by his actions.

“Your Highness, the Duke. I don’t want to prolong this conversation any longer than needed. It’s just that I have an important matter to discuss with you, so would you please converse with me.”

I gritted my teeth and phrased my request in a pleasant tone.

Perhaps due to the original Melissa’s emotions, I just couldn’t force myself to address him as ‘father’.

“…What?”

Only then did he stop in his tracks and turn around to look at me. His face has filled with surprise.

“Yes. There’s no reason for small talk either. I’ll just get to the main point.”

My chin lifted confidently as I thought that the Duke’s expression looked like a catfish to myself.

“I—.”

“No, wait. You’re going to say something that’s important like this?”

“Hmm?”

At the Duke’s words, I blinked.

“I’ve never heard of ever talking about something so important in the corridor. I will order the servants to prepare a sitting room, so come along.”

After saying all he wanted, the Duke turned around and disappeared after he quickly walked away.

No, it was clearly ridiculous for aristocrats to discuss important matters while standing in the corridor, but still, did it matter that much?

Did a sitting room really need to be prepared? And what would even be prepared? I was just trying to tell him I was breaking my engagement. After all, I had decided that an assassination would be the last stand.

‘I suppose one needs to prepare their heart to have a conversation with a daughter they don’t even like to look at…Will he be preparing a cup of water to splash at me just in case?’

I tilted my head and started to head towards the sitting room, but the Duke soon arrived. He was breathing roughly and as he peeked over the wall and he shouted, “Come back in 5 minutes, no 10 minutes!” and disappeared.

What was happening? I sincerely considered whether I should tell father that I will be assassinating the Crown Prince first.

In any case, the previous incident with the Crown Prince and the sitting room just didn’t make any sense.

I sensed misfortune in my future.

***

10 minutes later, I knocked on the door to the sitting room and walked in.

I was able to prove how far my jaw could extend to the ground as I stared at the scene in front of me.

“…Your Highness?”

“Indeed. Come quickly.”

“This…is today your hidden child’s birthday or something?”

While nothing in particular happened, according to Melissa’s memories, this was supposed to be an ordinary and well-decorated sitting room.

But right now, the room was decorated excessively cutesy and pink. The room was filled with objects that five-year-old children would like. Pink ribbons were hung on the chandeliers and colorful flowers made into balloons were tied behind the chairs and on the table, instead of an ashtray. There was a diverse selection of macarons, cake, chocolate, and other desserts.

Of course, what stole the show was the Duke wearing pastel pink formal clothes decorated with lace. And at the same time, his face was just as stern and scary, resulting in a great gap between his clothes and reality.

I was barely able to keep myself from rudely questioning him whether he had hit his head somewhere or not.