IDTRAFTML 25

~Chapter 25~

I was overwhelmed by the two people speaking together and quickly covered my mouth with my hand.

If I made two more mistakes with my words, I’d be heading straight to the execution platform.

Anyway, since Jonagel broke his probation and sneaked into the Imperial Palace, it was certain he would face heavy punishment.

“Anyway, thank you for helping me, Richard. Lysa, I’m sorry for worrying you so much, and thank you too.”

“Don’t apologize, Amelie. Like you said, that disgusting insect Jonagel deserves to die, so there’s no need to say sorry.”

“Well, still… I did let my guard down a little…”

I knew I wasn’t at fault as the victim, but as a pro romance-fantasy reader, it was true I was careless.

Preparing self-defense powder for someone like Jonagel Jizir was smart.

But I let my guard down because I was distracted by the Crown Prince’s presence.

“This is a shame for a professional romance-fantasy reader.”

I really need to stay sharp.

“No one can be prepared for everything. This didn’t happen because you were careless, so don’t blame yourself.”

“Huh?”

Richard… could actually say something like that?

His serious face and words unexpectedly comforted me.

‘I’ve been getting a lot of help because of this incident.’

He was being so kind that I started feeling genuinely sorry. I should go back home soon so I won’t trouble him anymore.

“Thank you, both of you. I should head home now.”

“Amelie, are your parents home?”

“Um, probably not? They said they’d be staying in another country for about a week on business.”

“Can you stay alone?”

“Of course, I can stay alo—”

…Can I?

I spoke confidently, but then suddenly remembered Jonagel and those thugs chasing me.

Even thinking about it again made my chest pound and my back shiver. The fear hadn’t left me yet.

“Lysa, can I stay at your house for a few days?”

“I’d love that, but… starting tomorrow, I’ll be away on a mission for a while.”

“Oh, then I guess there’s no choice! I suddenly felt a little scared about being alone, but since I’ll have guards and servants, I should be fine.”

“No, Amelie. It’s only natural to be scared. I’ll postpone my mission.”

Lysa held my hand with determination.

I only said it because I thought the fear would come back from time to time, but I ended up making her feel responsible.

“Don’t do that because of me. I’m not a child—of course I can stay home without my parents.”

“Then just stay here for a few more days.”

Richard suddenly joined in.

“If I delay my mission, it’s fine. But Amelie will feel uncomfortable staying in the Crown Prince’s palace.”

“Lysa Medinail. You know how important this mission is for your promotion, and you’d delay it?”

“I can join them later. It won’t affect my promotion.”

“You speak so easily about the dream you’ve worked toward for years.”

What is this development now?

Their conversation suddenly turned into a power struggle, and the atmosphere became tense.

“Why are you two fighting all of a sudden? I don’t want Lysa delaying her mission, but I also don’t want to stay in the palace.”

“Then what are you planning? Every time Jonagel’s name comes up, you tremble like that.”

“Me?”

Lysa nodded with a troubled look.

“You’ve been shaking since earlier, Amelie.”

“I didn’t even notice…”

If both of them noticed, it meant my trembling was obvious.

It was my first time being threatened with my life, so maybe it was normal. But if it turned into a trauma that stayed with me forever, I didn’t know how to feel.

“Is staying here uncomfortable for you?”

As I was lost in thought, Richard suddenly looked into my eyes.

“Huh?”

“I asked if staying in the Crown Prince’s palace makes you uncomfortable.”

“It’s not uncomfortable… I just don’t want to trouble you anymore.”

“Is that what you think I meant?”

With a short sigh, he brushed back his hair with a frustrated face.

Even in this tense situation, I couldn’t help but think he looked good doing that.

Either I still hadn’t regained my senses, or his face was just too dangerous.

“Since you don’t understand, I’ll say it again. You were injured, and I’m responsible for that. It’s only natural for me to take responsibility. So stop thinking you’re a burden.”

“But staying in the palace like this is a bit too much—”

“There are plenty of rooms. One more person won’t change anything. And right now, this is the safest place for you.”

Ugh.

Richard only said things that made sense, so I couldn’t argue back.

It wasn’t just anywhere—it was the Crown Prince’s palace. Was there any safer place?

‘But really… is it okay for me, just an extra, to live in the male lead’s house while the female lead exists?’

That was the only thing bothering me.

“Amelie, thinking about it, I also agree with Richard. You should stay here until your parents return.”

“Lysa, you too?”

Even Lysa gave in and supported Richard’s opinion.

This was shaking my resolve as a professional romance-fantasy reader!

“…Fine. I’ll stay here just until my parents return.”

The decision didn’t take long.

My survival instincts crushed my so-called professional resolve.

“Stupid brat!”

Duke Jizir cursed loudly and threw the glass on the table.

Crash!

Even after the glass shattered against the wall, his anger didn’t fade.

It had already been five days since his second son, Jonagel Jizir, was locked in the underground prison.

He even tried bribing knights to testify that Amelie Garnet was at fault, but no matter what he offered, not a single knight was willing to lie.

Worse, many knights begged the Emperor to deliver proper punishment for Jonagel on Amelie Garnet’s behalf.

“And for what? That girl isn’t even worth it!”

Sure, she belonged to a viscount family that ran the empire’s largest trading company, but she was still just a viscount’s daughter.

He couldn’t understand why anyone would oppose a Duke’s family just to protect one girl.

“Duke, Viscount Garnet is here to see you.”

Speak of the devil…

The servant came in with news that Viscount Garnet had arrived.

“Let him in.”

With a mocking smirk, Duke Jizir gave his arrogant answer.

Soon, Viscount Garnet entered, bowing politely in greeting.

“It’s been a while, Duke.”

“Yes, quite a while. You’ve never once supplied goods to my business, despite my many offers.”

Even at the polite greeting, Duke Jizir only mocked him.

But Viscount Garnet’s expression didn’t change. He only stared calmly, which annoyed the Duke even more.

“Tsk. Sit down.”

“Thank you.”

Viscount Garnet sat, and heavy silence filled the room.

Though a guest, the Duke didn’t even offer him a cup of tea.

There was no respect at all.

“Seems like we both have things to say.”

It was the Duke who finally broke the silence, his displeasure clear.

“With all due respect, I don’t have much to say.”

“Of course you don’t. Nothing about this situation puts you or your daughter at a disadvantage.”

“I’m sorry you think so.”

“What?”

“I didn’t come here to negotiate or compromise, Duke.”

The Duke frowned, but Viscount Garnet’s voice grew stronger.

He was still polite, but there was a new strength in his tone that made the Duke flinch.

“So, you’re threatening me?”

“Threats are for those who know they’ve done wrong. I have only one thing to say.”

Unlike the furious Duke, Viscount Garnet stayed calm.

Before the Duke even grasped his words, he added firmly:

“From now on, the Jizir family will never again see goods from our trading company.”