Chapter 148
That night, after the birthday banquet ended—
It was late by the time the Blanche family finally returned to their estate.
“Then, go on and rest, all of you.”
Carios, who had remained silent the entire way back, left only those words before walking off.
Anyone could see from his expression that he was displeased.
And it was no wonder.
The girl they had cast out of the family was now honored with a medal from the Emperor himself, and her engagement to the Argenta heir had been publicly announced.
Meanwhile, Rosia—the true Blanche daughter—had yet to show any real accomplishments. Even her engagement talks were still stuck in limbo.
With such a cold, biting attitude from her father, Rosia clenched her fists and lowered her head.
Seeing her, Gerard timidly approached to comfort her.
“Cheer up, Rosia. Father must just be weary from the day’s events, that’s all.”
Cedric, standing nearby, carefully added in agreement.
“Yes, it likely meant nothing. You must be tired yourself after standing for so long. Go and rest.”
“…Yes. Thank you both for your concern.”
Rosia forced a faint smile, then quietly slipped away to her room.
But her heart still ached bitterly.
Kadin Leight, so this is how you intend to play it until the end?
Though their engagement ceremony had not yet been held, everyone already treated it as a settled matter.
And yet, at such an official occasion, he openly refused to stand by her side.
That was no different from humiliating her in front of everyone.
Even as she entered escorted by her brothers, the nobles had whispered.
“Oh my, why did she come with her brothers? What about Lord Leight?”
“Now that you mention it, their engagement isn’t finalized yet, is it? Could there be some issue?”
“Indeed. I’ve hardly seen the two together lately.”
Thankfully, none had dared bring it up directly in front of her. Likely they were conscious of her position.
But the moment Rosia closed her chamber door, she slumped against it, sliding down to the floor.
How did things end up like this? I thought once I gained the title of princess, everything would go smoothly…
Even if she pretended otherwise, it had stung—how everyone’s eyes had been fixed only on Eila.
She could at least understand Cedric and Gerard showing concern for her.
After all, both brothers still seemed weighed by guilt over Eila.
But Carios too? To think even he looked at Eila with lingering regret.
Does he regret casting her out now, of all times?
When Rosia had first entered the ducal household, she had been the center of attention.
But once Eila displayed her magical talent and even became the master of a dragon, interest had steadily shifted away from her.
And today, every single gaze in the hall had been fixed solely on Eila.
Rosia bit her lip anxiously.
If only Eila disappeared, then everything would be perfect again.
She wanted—no, craved—to erase Eila, even if it meant turning to forbidden magic. Only then could she reclaim her brilliant life as the true Blanche princess.
Her eyes, burning with desire, turned toward a certain spot.
Rising to her feet, she slowly walked to the fireplace. Carefully, she lifted a small jewel box from atop the mantle.
When she opened the lid, only ordinary ornaments lay neatly arranged inside.
But Rosia narrowed her eyes, running her fingers along the box’s side.
There, barely perceptible grooves could only be felt with the touch, invisible to the eye.
Channeling mana through her fingertips, she fed it into the seam.
At once, the jewel box vibrated faintly, the patterns twisting until a hidden drawer popped out from below.
Inside, wrapped in crimson silk, lay a violet stone that exuded an ominous aura.
It looked like a cluster of amethyst crystals fused into one.
Should I curse her right now…?
Gripping the “Heart of the Beast” in her hand, Rosia was seized by temptation.
With it, she could torment Eila, eventually driving her to death.
Then her family would abandon any lingering affection for her, and Kadin would no longer be able to shirk his responsibility.
He would have no choice but to accept that only she could stand at his side.
Everything would fall perfectly into place.
…As much as I want to, I can’t.
Grinding her teeth, Rosia carefully set the Heart back down. She couldn’t afford to repeat past mistakes—acting rashly without plan and failing.
It’s fine. Soon enough, Eila will vanish anyway.
Rosia closed her eyes, exhaling a long breath.
The Empress must have realized it too—after today’s banquet, there was no mistaking it. Eila would never stand at her side.
She openly declared rebellion. The Empress won’t let her live now.
The Empress was neither foolish nor merciful.
She was not the sort to spare someone who might betray her.
There was no need for Rosia to risk dirtying her own hands and drawing suspicion.
The Empress will handle her instead.
Better to let someone else do the work.
Having calmed her raging heart, Rosia moved to return the box to its place—when she noticed something odd.
…What’s this?
On the crimson silk lay a faint trace of ash, as though someone had touched it with sooty hands.
That wasn’t me…
Her brow furrowed. A chill crept up her spine.
Lowering the jewel box, she slowly stepped back, scanning her room.
At first glance everything looked tidy as usual, yet something felt off.
Some items were slightly displaced.
…Did someone come into my room?
As the thought struck, her expression hardened.
Could someone have broken in, searching the fireplace—and even touched this box?
If so, why? Who? For what purpose?
A shiver of unease crawled down her back.
Rosia hurried to her desk and yanked open a drawer.
Relief washed over her.
Her stash of forbidden materials was untouched.
From herbs and powders, to parchments with inscribed circles, and even strands of Eila’s hair kept for future use—everything remained.
Letting out a short sigh, she shut the drawer.
Truly, nothing has gone right for me lately.
Perhaps her nerves were simply frayed from all the setbacks.
Maybe a maid had shifted things slightly while cleaning.
Pressing her fingers against her eyelids, she headed for bed.
Tonight, she would cast a sleep spell and rest without thought.
Under the crisp autumn sun, on a neatly kept lawn stood round tables draped with white linen cloths.
Above them, white canopies fluttered gently in the breeze.
Eila, absently toying with her wine glass, gazed sentimentally at the guests gathered for the engagement ceremony.
There weren’t many. Only close friends of hers and relatives of the Argenta family.
It was a small, quiet affair—just as she had wished.
“To think you two would hold an engagement ceremony so soon after graduation…”
Piony dabbed her damp eyes, unable to hide her emotion.
“When did you even discuss this behind my back? You could have told me earlier.”
“Sorry, things were hectic. I should have told you sooner, Piony.”
Eila smiled sheepishly, gently clasping her friend’s hand.
That’s when Piony noticed the ring gleaming brilliantly on her finger.
“Ahem, by the way, isn’t that ring rather splendid for an engagement?”
“Yes. The Duke and Duchess passed down their own rings to us. I can only be grateful.”
“What? Their very own rings?”
Piony’s eyes widened. She glanced toward the Duke, who was chatting with relatives nearby.
“He must really cherish you, Eila. At this rate, you won’t have to worry about married life at all.”
“Oh, stop it.”
Eila laughed, giggling with Piony—
When suddenly, a shadow fell over her shoulder.
Felix had stepped up behind her.
“Eila, he’s just arrived. Shall we go and speak with him?”
