The Abandoned Princess, Yet She Is Loved - Chapter 86

Grace smiled softly and continued.

 

“The date when Lady Diana of House Reinheim purchased the poison isn’t far off from the date when poison was found on Her Highness the Princess’s handkerchief.”

 

“I…”

 

Amelia was at a loss for words. She hadn’t imagined anyone would know about the poison purchase record.

 

“What do you think would happen if this were made public?”

 

“I-I…”

 

Amelia’s face turned pale.

 

If word got out that she had almost poisoned the princess in exchange for money, she would undoubtedly be sentenced to death.

 

“This prank is a little too much, don’t you think? I could have died.”

 

Grace smiled, but Amelia couldn’t bring herself to smile back.

 

“There’s just one personal favor I’d like to ask. Would you hear me out?”

 

“A f-favor?”

 

“Yes. It won’t be too difficult.”

 

“A-Alright…”

 

Knowing she had no choice, Amelia lowered her head in resignation.

 

“Then, shall we have a separate conversation now?”

 

“Yes… Alright. This way, please.”

 

She led Grace to an empty room.

 

 

As soon as the drawing room door opened, Duke Reinheim stood up from his seat. Grace walked in, wearing a bright-colored hat and dress.

 

“Father, I’m here.”

 

“Grace, you came! Please, sit.”

 

The Duke gestured to the seat across from him at the table. As soon as Grace sat down on the sofa, a maid beside her poured tea into her cup.

 

“……”

 

She could feel the maid glancing at her repeatedly, but Grace pretended not to notice.

 

After all, every servant in House Reinheim she came across would stare at her. Their disbelieving looks had become so repetitive that she was numb to them.

 

“How’s the tea? It’s brewed from young leaves specially harvested from the Beetle Mountains in the Leodel Empire. The aroma is quite something.”

 

“The fragrance really is wonderful. Are you sure it’s okay for me to have this?”

 

“You’re my daughter. Of course you should only have the best.”

 

Even in front of the hateful Duke Reinheim, she could smile calmly. Seeing the once-arrogant Duke spout such fake niceties was almost amusing.

 

“I heard you were wrongfully accused recently. That must’ve been hard for you.”

 

“Yes, well… I’m alright. It’s all over now.”

 

“I was so worried I couldn’t sleep well at night.”

 

“I’m sorry to have caused you concern. But thanks to that, things seem to have been resolved.”

 

It was thanks to your daughters that I went through all that. Disgusted, Grace still forced a smile.

 

“How is your training coming along?”

 

The Duke changed the subject.

 

“It’s a bit difficult, but I think I’m improving little by little.”

 

“Everyone’s curious to see how you’ll develop, given how special your powers are.”

 

“Yes, well… I’m not sure either.”

 

Grace answered vaguely. It was because it was him—and also because there wasn’t much to elaborate on.

 

It was true she’d been drawing attention ever since her healing ability was revealed, but she hadn’t had much chance to actually use it. Even the Crown Princess had only mentioned asking for her help if needed in the future.

 

“How are things at home?”

 

“As always. Lately, the cotton crops at the estate haven’t been doing too well… that’s the biggest issue.”

 

‘This is it.’

 

The Duke sighed lightly as he grumbled. A sudden idea crossed Grace’s mind as she listened in silence.

 

“Father, instead of cotton, why not try cultivating a more profitable crop? Like tobacco, for instance.”

 

“Tobacco already has high supply and limited demand, doesn’t it?”

 

“Not in the North. From my time living in Winstaine, I learned that tobacco doesn’t grow well in cold regions, so supply is scarce.”

 

“Really? Are you sure?”

 

The Duke showed clear interest. Grace nodded confidently.

 

“But switching to tobacco would require major meetings with trade guilds that deal with the North. Like the Kelton Guild…”

 

“We’re already in business with the Kelton Guild. We have a rather close relationship.”

 

“What? You?”

 

The Duke’s eyes widened like saucers. The Kelton Guild was a famous trade group that dealt with northern goods.

 

“Yes. The Winstaine family has been doing business with them for some time. I’ve also met with the guild leader during print distribution negotiations.”

 

“Ah… Now that you mention it, I think I did hear that you started the print craze.”

 

Color returned to the Duke’s face.

 

“If you’re still in touch with them, could you introduce them to our family?”

 

“Of course. I’d be happy to.”

 

Grace answered without hesitation.

 

‘This girl must be starved for affection.’

 

Or perhaps she believed she was now no different from other nobles.

 

If she could be used well, the family could gain significant financial benefit. The Duke was elated. She knew what crops were trending, and she was already dealing with one of the biggest trade guilds.

 

“Tobacco must be in short supply in the North, huh.”

 

“It’s extremely scarce. Since it only grows in warm regions.”

 

Of course, that was a lie. Tobacco was already being cultivated in several areas of the North, and supply was more than abundant. What Grace wanted was for the unaware Duke to plow his healthy cotton fields and turn them into tobacco farms.

 

“I’ll consider it after meeting the Kelton Guild master.”

 

“……”

 

Grace smiled quietly. He hadn’t agreed right away, but once he met the guild master, his mind would be made up.

 

She would have the guild master flatter the Duke, claiming tobacco was a promising market. They’d pretend to buy at a high price, prompting the Duke to eagerly convert all his fields into tobacco plantations. Later, they would buy at the actual price, drastically reducing the family’s income.

 

“I’m so glad we have you, Grace. Thank you.”

 

“Not at all. I’ll continue to help however I can.”

 

Grace smiled and lifted her teacup again. From here on out, their downfall would begin, little by little.

 

 

“Commander, we’ve received a report about the monster that appeared during the mounted tournament.”

 

Ned Hassler placed a file on Frederick’s desk. Frederick picked it up.

 

“It was spotted in the west.”

 

“They estimate there were several dozen.”

 

It was the same monster they’d searched for so long but had failed to track. Frederick carefully reviewed the damage report listed in the file.

 

“There’s quite a bit of human casualty. We need to act immediately.”

 

“Yes. It’s been appearing quite frequently, they said.”

 

“I’ll take a unit and head there soon. We’ll need to wipe them out properly.”

 

“Yes, sir. Understood.”

 

Ned Hassler bowed and left.

 

“…Sigh.”

 

Now alone, Frederick stared out the window and let out a sigh. There was a commonality in all the areas where the monsters had appeared.

 

‘They’re all near temple-owned land.’

 

Could the temple be related to these creatures? It made no sense. The temple, which was supposed to repel monsters, owned the land where they kept showing up.

 

‘So that’s why…’

 

A thought crossed Frederick’s mind.

 

“Release Grace.”

 

It was the day he visited the temple. Frederick had met Mikael.

 

“What power could our temple possibly have to release her or not?”

 

“You and I both know your master holds power.”

 

He was referring to Mikael being Vladimir’s right-hand man.

 

“I don’t know what you mean.”

 

“Just say what the Second Prince wants.”

 

Mikael initially feigned ignorance, but at Frederick’s words, he gave a meaningful smile.

 

“Say it. What does he want?”

 

“Hmm… Perhaps it’s better if I pass your request to my master first?”

 

“I already know he’s considered the options.”

 

“So you’re prepared to accept whatever comes?”

 

Mikael tilted his head playfully. It was annoying, but Frederick had no other choice.

 

“Just tell me what it is, and I’ll listen.”

 

“Then I shall tell you.”

 

A sly smile appeared on Mikael’s lips.

 

“Of course, you’re free to decline afterward. The choice is entirely yours.”