I Become the Villain's Bride - Chapter 85

Chapter 85

On the Day of the Engagement Ceremony

Amidst the bustling activities of the palace, the princess glared coldly at her younger brother.

“You’ve gone mad over a woman.”

“…Why do you always think that way, sister?”

Her sister’s accusatory tone stirred a surge of irritation within her, but she couldn’t raise her voice in such a setting. Biting her lip, she swallowed her anger and tried to maintain her composure.

“You wouldn’t understand.”

How could that cunning Lily Devlanc enter the royal family without knowing her place? The thought of the brazen Freesia made her stomach turn even more. Just thinking about that woman, who must be laughing at her now, made her want to choke her.

“What are you going to do?” 

Ignoring the irritating addition of her companion, Serial, the princess decided to pull out her trump card.

“Leave it to me. I have everything planned.”

She was certain that the world was currently filled with the belief that it always revolved around her. Therefore, she needed to teach them a lesson. That was the right thing to do.

Leaving her brother behind, the princess returned to her quarters. While tracing the suspicious activities of Visountess Blado, she had finally found a way.

The first clue had emerged around the time she started investigating Luca.

Although they were a noble family, the Bailey family had been swept away by the waves of change, and their fortune had considerably declined.

At this point, even the cost of medication for the ailing Lady Norma was burdensome, so it seemed natural for them to leave their younger sibling in the care of the Crowfords, who were on friendly terms with them.

However, even if that were true, there was no one who could confirm it.

So she deliberately removed the Bailey couple from the list and searched for a maid who had been a close aide to the late Lady Norma.

“Thank you for taking the time to be here today, Madam Medona.”

By the time she returned to her quarters, the witness was already prepared to testify.

The maid, who had taken care of the sick Lady Norma for a long time, was quite knowledgeable about the whereabouts of young Luca.

“You just need to recite what you’ve told me all this time.”

“Of course. Why would there be any doubt? The physician had assured me that the child would never survive past six years old.”

The child who was supposed to die suddenly appeared in the capital, looking perfectly fine.

From the moment they first met, she had doubted the very existence of Luca, insisting it was nonsense.

“The only person missing from Bailey is the late Duke’s younger half-brother. They say he was abandoned in a place called Arisford and died about ten years ago,” said Medona, desperately trying to deny Luca’s existence.

“So, the Duchess of Crowford, who likes young boys, has concocted this whole lie to keep an unknown child around?”

Thus, she had no way of knowing where that boy, Luca, had come from.

With every assertion made by Medona, the princess grew more convinced.

“Perhaps that’s it. Everything is as you say, Princess.”

Since the Baileys weren’t present, whatever she said could only tarnish Freesia’s reputation.

Even if it were baseless slander, if repeated enough, people would begin to weave their own stories with a hint of doubt.

Even if they tried to rectify the rampant speculation and rumors later, words that spread through the mouths of others were beyond the emperor’s control.

A mix of 99% lies and 1% truth is often more effective than a 100% lie.

After all, to deny that the Duchess of Crowford had an inappropriate relationship with a young boy would require dozens of statements and pieces of evidence.

“Even if you prove your innocence, people will still find it hard to admit they were wrong.”

Once people are led to doubt, even the illustrious Duke of Crowford might begin to question his wife’s fidelity.

With a self-satisfied smile, the princess relaxed.

Finally, all preparations were complete.

She checked her dress in her quarters and gracefully headed towards the hall where the engagement ceremony would take place.

“Thank you for your help.”

“Leave it to me.”

Handing over a pouch of gold coins, the witness finalized her preparations.

As she confirmed the placement of the soldiers, the herald’s voice announcing the arrival of the Crowford couple reached her ears.

“Luca. Walk slowly.”

“Yes, Sir Wilfred.”

Unaware that he was playing with his wife, the Duke was treating Luca like his own son.

For some reason, Freesia’s smile next to him today was even more annoying than usual.

“When should we make our move?” 

Anxious, Medona asked the princess.

Taking a moment to breathe, the princess calmly surveyed the surroundings.

“…We’ll get word soon.”

“Duke, may I have a moment?” 

At that moment, her father, the emperor, had requested a meeting with the duke before the ceremony began.

Seeing Freesia in high spirits, the princess smiled with satisfaction.

She thought it only fair that the woman should experience the bitter taste of life at least once, to understand what it felt like to fall from the peak of happiness.

“Excuse me for a moment. Luca, stay close to Freesia.”

Why were they allowed such tenderness that was denied to her?

Watching the duke’s retreating figure, the princess lowered her hand without hesitation.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

“What’s the matter?”

As soldiers suddenly closed in, Luca stood in front of Freesia. The soldiers seized the boy and threw him to the ground.

“What are you doing?” 

As Rashita, wielding an axe, rushed forward, the soldiers stepped back in fear.

“Unbelievable.”

The soldiers gulped as they saw Fieldram leisurely approaching from afar.

Not just one but two figures were there, and with them flanking both sides, even a dozen soldiers couldn’t easily move.

“How dare you be so insolent in the palace.”

“Your Highness, what is this about…?”

“If you’re scared, just die. How dare you lay your hands on someone else’s dog without my permission?”

Rashita stepped forward to protect Freesia, while Fieldram helped the fallen Luca back to his feet.

“Fieldram.”

“Hey, did I teach you to be taken down by scum like that?”

“…They are royal soldiers.”

“Oh dear. I’m so scared. So, what has our child done to deserve this?”

Though they were openly committing sacrilege in front of everyone, Fieldram, the mad dog who even the Duke of Crowford could not handle, remained defiant. 

His demeanor is so unhinged that even the Emperor has long since given up on him.

“It’s unfortunate that the loyalists of Crowford do not see the greatest blemish of Crowford.”

“Are you talking to me?”

“…I’m not speaking to you.” 

Despite having rehearsed her lines calmly several times, she found it difficult to speak logically with Fieldram intervening.

“Luca, are you okay?” 

“I’m fine.” 

The sight of the princess kneeling down, pretending to check on the boy, made Freesia’s blood boil. It was as if she were accusing her of harm while cradling the child, adopting such an obvious façade. 

“That child is not a Bailey.” 

“What do you mean, Your Highness?” 

Amid the murmurs of the nobles, the Crowford side remained eerily silent. They should have protested immediately, yet their inability to respond only confirmed Freesia’s suspicions. Fieldram and Rasita remained tight-lipped, carefully observing Freesia’s reactions. 

Once the truth was out, that woman would surely fall from grace. 

She couldn’t be the only one to suffer. 

“Can you take responsibility for that claim?” 

Freesia’s question drew a confident smile from the princess. 

* * *

“Freesia.” 

Cradling the trembling Luca, Freesia took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. The princess, acting as though she knew everything, raised her suspicions further. 

‘If my assumptions are correct…’ 

It had always felt strange. Why was there such a deep rift between the two? 

Even during Wilfred’s escort of the princess, it was evident. 

While it didn’t seem significant at the time, considering Freesia’s previous character, she probably would have swallowed her words, too afraid to speak up, while trying to read her husband’s mood. 

Wilfred was sharp. Even if he pressed Freesia for answers, her timid nature would never allow her to speak out. 

“I don’t understand what you’re saying. Luca is a child that Lady Bailey entrusted to us directly.” 

“Are you blaming the sickly Lady Bailey?” 

“I truly don’t understand your words on a day meant for joy.” 

“Time will tell. I already have proof and witnesses that that child is a fake.” 

“A witness, you say?” 

“Let her come forward.” 

At the princess’s command, a woman stepped into view. A few nobles recognized her from the engagement ceremony. 

“Isn’t that Lady Medona?” 

“She’s been a close aide to Lady Bailey since the previous generation.” 

“To call a child of such questionable origin ‘Lord Luca’ is absurd.” 

“And who are you?” 

“Fieldram.” 

Freesia halted Fieldram’s hand, glancing down at the terrified Luca. 

If anyone were to target someone, it would have been better to focus on her. 

“Rashita, could you take Luca to Lily for a moment?” 

“…You want me to trust that idiot?” 

“It’s for the best right now.” 

In a situation where there’s good versus evil and chaos reigns, Fieldram’s aggressive nature was more useful than Rashita’s rationality. 

With a reluctant sigh, Rashita sheathed the axe she had been holding, lifted Luca by the nape of his neck, and departed. 

“What is that boy to warrant such chaos? The poor duke knows nothing.” 

“I don’t understand what you mean.” 

“The fact that you keep that young boy close day and night can lead to many misunderstandings.” 

“What a loose tongue you have!” 

Blocking Fieldram, Freesia shot a glare at Lady Medona standing beside the princess. 

“Your Highness, that sounds as though you are implying that this person has an inappropriate relationship with Luca.” 

“Oh dear, who said anything of the sort? The duchess seems quite sensitive these days.” 

It was ridiculous to watch the princess feign innocence, but with the highest-ranking noble present, the other nobles could only watch the unfolding drama. 

Surveying the whispering crowd, Freesia focused on Lady Medona beside the princess. 

Why had she chosen to speak in such a way? 

“Regardless of who this child is, now that he’s with me, it’s my duty to care for him.” 

“Oh, how shameless.” 

“Just imagine the shock Lady Bailey would feel if she knew about this.” 

The princess’s smile radiated victory. 

At that very moment, 

“…Yes, it would be quite shocking.” 

Lady Bailey, supported by Rose, made her entrance from a distance.