The Abandoned Princess, Yet She Is Loved - Chapter 79

“You seemed like you wanted to do it, Madam? Aren’t you feeling burdened by being treated like a saint because of your healing?”

 

“There is a part of me that feels burdened, yes. But since they’re entrusting me with it, I did feel like I wanted to try.”

 

“You’re more ambitious than you seem, Madam.”

 

Aris covered her mouth and laughed.

 

“I just… I want to have a good influence on many people.”

 

Grace said as she looked out at the garden.

 

“Especially, I wish there were no more sick people. So when someone is ill and in need of help, I just can’t walk past them.”

 

“Was there a reason that made you think that way?”

 

Aris asked, listening closely.

 

“Well…”

 

Grace hesitated for a moment before parting her lips.

 

“There was a maid who looked after me when I was young… She got sick, and I wasn’t able to help her. She died. It felt like it was my fault… Ever since then, I started thinking that I wanted to help people who are ill.”

 

“Oh no… I see. That must have hurt a lot.”

 

Aris looked at her with pity.

 

“You really do have a warm heart, Madam. To take responsibility for a maid’s death like that.”

 

Because she wasn’t just a maid.

 

Grace swallowed the words she couldn’t bring herself to say. Aris, who had grown up as a noble young lady, wouldn’t be able to relate to such feelings.

 

Seri…

 

She wasn’t sure about Seri. She had no way of knowing how Seri had lived her life.

 

Unlike Aris, who freely talked about herself, Seri rarely spoke of her own past. Of course, Grace didn’t resent her for it—after all, she couldn’t even reveal that she was an illegitimate child.

 

If people found out, she couldn’t even imagine what would happen. Everyone who treated her kindly now would suddenly look at her coldly.

 

Though that person wouldn’t allow that to happen.

 

Because the Duke of Reinheim was hiding that secret, there was no chance it would be revealed. Since he had created the situation himself, he would work hard to keep her origins a secret.

 

“For now… I don’t know what will happen.”

 

“I hope things turn out the way you want, Madam.”

 

Aris gently held Grace’s hand and offered her comfort. Grace nodded with a small smile.

 

 

“I’ve been hearing some interesting rumors about your daughter.”

 

“Rumors, you say…?”

 

When Vladimir smiled faintly, a slight trace of unease crossed Duke Reinheim’s face. Whenever that man looked intrigued, it made him wonder what kind of nonsense would come next.

 

“Well, it’s less of a rumor and more like common knowledge. The Duchess of Winstaine was healing people during the jousting tournament.”

 

“Yes… I’m aware.”

 

“Everyone’s already calling her a saint, you know.”

 

“You didn’t know she had such abilities?”

 

“No, I had no idea. She showed no signs of it when she was young.”

 

At Duke Reinheim’s response, Vladimir clicked his tongue.

 

“So, the father barely knows anything about his daughter.”

 

He knows she’s illegitimate, yet still talks like that. The Duke felt irritated, but he held it in. He couldn’t reveal his emotions in front of someone who held leverage over him.

 

“Have you spoken to her at all since then?”

 

“We haven’t been in contact.”

 

“I know she belongs to her husband’s house now, but isn’t it too distant? You should maintain at least some relationship. Don’t you think?”

 

To Vladimir’s suggestion, Duke Reinheim gave a short reply, “Yes.”

 

“I wouldn’t mind getting closer to the Duchess of Winstaine. The more I learn, the more intriguing she seems.”

 

“Do you need her for something?”

 

“She wields a truly unique power. I’m very interested in learning more about it.”

 

“Ah… I see.”

 

The Duke answered politely. It was clear Vladimir wanted him to reach out to Grace. But it didn’t feel like he genuinely wanted information on her.

 

“Let the public see that she is close with her birth family.”

 

As expected, his guess was correct. Vladimir wanted to create the appearance that Grace maintained ties with her family.

 

“Yes…”

 

He answered, but it felt daunting.

 

The Duke sighed inwardly. To contact and meet that girl, really…

 

Even just reaching out would be uncomfortable, and he wasn’t sure if Grace would act according to his wishes. She’d grown up quite a bit already.

 

But she’s still basically soft-hearted… Maybe if I pretend to apologize, she’ll forgive me?

 

She may look more mature now, but her true nature likely hadn’t changed. According to the children, Grace used to cry and apologize profusely if she was scolded even a little. Maybe there was still a way to manage her.

 

“Well then, I’ll be counting on you moving forward.”

 

Vladimir smiled and extended his hand. Duke Reinheim clenched his jaw but shook it.

 

“Yes. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if there’s anything you need.”

 

 

“What’s going on? This early in the day?”

 

Rubens was a little surprised when Frederic showed up before noon. Was there something urgent he needed to report? He couldn’t think of anything.

 

“Your Highness.”

 

“What is it, Frederic?”

 

Frederic’s eyes, fixed on him, were burning intensely.

 

“I’ll get straight to the point.”

 

Rubens felt a cold sweat form on his forehead. What is he about to say…?

 

“Did you suggest Grace come to the capital for the purpose of using her for the imperial family?”

 

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

 

“Her Highness the Crown Princess offered my wife a position as a dedicated healer for the imperial family.”

 

“……”

 

“But I don’t believe she should be bound to the imperial household. Isn’t it enough that I’m the one being used?”

 

“Wait, calm down, Frederic.”

 

Rubens couldn’t understand what Frederic was saying at first.

 

“What did the Crown Princess do? She doesn’t consult me about every little thing she does.”

 

But one thing was clear: Frederic seemed very upset.

 

“She spoke about Grace treating the injured at the jousting tournament and said she wanted her to treat members of the imperial family in the future.”

 

“Ah. I see. The Princess must have been impressed by her healing abilities.”

 

“Now that people are calling Grace a saint, isn’t putting her front and center for the imperial family effectively claiming ownership over her?”

 

As Frederic continued, his eyes grew sharper.

 

“She’s been trying to show that Grace is on her side for quite some time now. Haven’t you noticed?”

 

“I knew they were close… but I didn’t think of it that way.”

 

“I’m worried it’s politically motivated. I don’t want her to become a target or object of attention because of it.”

 

“I’ll talk to the Princess about it.”

 

Rubens replied.

 

“Honestly, it’s true that I need you right now. But I have no intention of forcing your wife into anything for the sake of the Empire. Please believe me.”

 

“…Alright.”

 

“Is she feeling overwhelmed by the Princess’s actions?”

 

He asked cautiously.

 

“To be honest, she’s not trying to refuse, but she also doesn’t fully understand the weight her words and actions carry.”

 

“You seem very protective of your wife…”

 

At that, Frederic raised an eyebrow.

 

“Are you saying I’m being overprotective?”

 

“No, not exactly.”

 

“And I’ve also been thinking more about the Princess’s intentions. Isn’t she trying to get Grace to attempt healing His Majesty? She just hasn’t brought it up yet because she’s still weighing the risks.”

 

“Hmm…”

 

Rubens couldn’t deny it.

 

After hearing that the Duchess of Winstaine had healed someone instantly, the thought had crossed his mind too. Though he hadn’t heard the Princess suggest anything like treating the Emperor or taking care of the royal family members directly.

 

“Even she doesn’t understand the principles behind how her powers work. If something goes wrong with His Majesty, she might end up taking the blame.”

 

“Okay, okay. I won’t let that happen.”

 

Rubens practically had to swear that he wouldn’t use Grace for political purposes before Frederic would calm down.