Chapter 153
Evebie’s eyes widened at the sudden mention of her name.
Then, belatedly, she paid attention to what was being said.
They want to send me away?
“His Majesty has shown deep affection for that child, as everyone knows. Of course, that doesn’t mean either the child or we would harbor any improper thoughts. But young Miss Eve is different. She had just met her father, and another child was saved before her. Can you imagine the shock she must have felt?”
“That’s right, Your Majesty. Please consider that Miss Eve is still very young. At that age, a parent is the whole world. She must be in great confusion, and the shock would have been enormous.”
Evebie held her breath and listened quietly to the conversation inside.
The voices of the ministers grew louder.
All of them were blaming Clois’ actions of saving Evebie first, expressing their resentment.
They spoke of how deeply saddened and upset Eve was.
Then, a voice Evebie recognized spoke up:
“Your Majesty, perhaps it would be best if the two are kept apart for the time being.”
It was Duke Kailen.
Even he, who usually sided with her, suggested keeping her apart.
Evebie’s shoulders slumped even further.
I really must have done something wrong.
There was no other reason for Duke Kailen, who had always cared for her, to say that.
Until just a moment ago, she had thought Eve was in the wrong for forcing her onto the carriage.
Now, she realized she might have misunderstood everything.
The princess.
His Majesty’s daughter.
The future of the Empire.
A being worthy of love from everyone.
That was Eve.
Evebie knew well that a child from an orphanage like herself could never compare.
And yet, why had she wished for Eve to think of her more?
Reflecting on her arrogance, Evebie bit her lip.
Still, she couldn’t completely give up hope.
Even if people said such things, maybe the Emperor would continue to be on her side…
“Agreed. It would be best if Eve did not approach Evebie for the time being.”
Hearing Clois’ voice from inside, Evebie bowed her head further and turned to leave.
More dejected than when she had arrived, she quietly headed outside.
It’s okay! I have the headmistress. Irene, Arcel, Luska…
Evebie straightened her eyes and opened them wide.
Even so, her reddening eyes betrayed her, and she pressed her hand to them as she made her way back to the Academy.
Clois swallowed his irritation as he looked at the elderly nobles sitting before him.
“Eve ran rampant under the guise of a field trip, disturbing the Academy, and even interrupting the students’ lessons.”
Eve had claimed that Evebie had been forced onto the carriage.
And that she had played dangerous tricks to scare her.
Of course that’s a lie.
Evebie was a child who strictly followed the orphanage headmistress’s teachings—rules essential for living safely: don’t do dangerous things, don’t hurt others.
A child who obeyed such rules would never forcefully drag a royal princess onto a carriage and endanger her.
So Eve’s lie was obvious.
Yet Clois could not harshly reprimand her.
The words of the elderly nobles and ministers carried weight.
The child had only recently learned of her royal status.
It was natural for her to feel uneasy when someone else received the affection of her parents.
But that did not mean she could continue harming Evebie.
“From today, Eve’s visits to the Academy will be prohibited.”
“Wise judgment, Your Majesty.”
The command restricted Eve’s movement, not Evebie’s. The elderly nobles seemed satisfied with that alone.
One of them raised a hand.
“Moreover, Your Majesty, should we take this opportunity to officially recognize Miss Eve as a princess and restore her rightful name?”
“That’s correct. This can no longer be delayed. All citizens should be able to call Eve by her proper and honored name.”
“Yes, indeed!”
The recognition of the princess, long postponed, was now to be formally discussed.
The elderly nobles, determined, stared at Clois as if preparing for battle.
Eve’s unease stems from not being officially acknowledged. Once recognized, she may feel more secure.
That was their shared belief.
Moreover, increasingly wild rumors had been circulating: the princess was physically or mentally unwell, and thus the Emperor hesitated to acknowledge her.
If such rumors spread further, traitors plotting against the Empire’s future could arise.
Not wishing for further chaos, the elderly nobles aimed to secure the official proclamation of Eve as princess today.
The steward quietly stepped forward.
“Perhaps it would be wise to take a brief recess?”
Sensing the need to pause the flow of the meeting, Clois nodded.
The meeting stopped, and the nobles continued discussing Eve amongst themselves.
Meanwhile, Duke Kailen approached Clois.
“Your Majesty.”
“…….”
Clois looked at him with an unamused expression.
“You seem to care greatly for Evebie, yet have said little,” Clois remarked, a subtle reproach in his tone.
Expecting Clois to respond sharply, Kailen surprised him.
“May I request a little more time regarding the recognition of the princess? There are aspects of Sabina’s testimony I wish to examine further.”
“Sabina’s testimony?”
“Yes. If possible, I would like to call Sabina in today to verify it firsthand.”
Sabina was still very weak, so they had only reviewed prior records.
The Duke wished to start direct reexamination immediately.
Clois studied him.
He knew better than anyone of Duke Kailen’s loyalty.
Such insistence had to have a reason.
“How much time do you require?”
“One week. I will review everything and report back.”
A week.
The elderly nobles would undoubtedly demand immediate proclamation once tea was served.
Yet the Duke asked for a week.
“Duke Kailen.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“What exactly are you preparing?”
“…The legitimacy of Miss Eve.”
Clois rubbed his face with one hand.
A child returned from the dead—a miracle—but he could not rejoice.
Whether from disbelief or unwillingness to believe.
“If you are withholding details, there must be something missing.”
“…Yes.”
“And it will significantly affect me.”
“Yes.”
The Duke remembered the Emperor, nearly immobile from shock for a week when Eve appeared.
Even now, though recovered, the Emperor’s mental state remained fragile.
And he still cherishes Evebie.
If hopes were given to Evebie as the Emperor’s daughter, then denied…
The consequences would be grave.
According to the innkeeper, villagers had sold the child found in the forest for a coin.
Riden traced that person’s whereabouts and went to verify where Evebie was rescued.
Additionally, the Duke’s retainers were searching for villagers and the old woman who had raised Evebie.
Compared to Eve with her mark, Evebie’s evidence might not prove her as Lilian’s daughter.
The most certain proof would be for Evebie to manifest the mark.
Otherwise, they must challenge Eve’s legitimacy.
The Duke clenched his fist.
Like Marquis Ragselve, he trusted his instincts.
Eve was a fake.
No matter what, he would prove it for Evebie, Lilian, and his lord.
“Please, trust me.”
“Delayed again?”
“Yes! This is absurd!”
Count Aradman slammed his chest in frustration.
Finally, Eve would be recognized today—but now another week must pass.
The nobles and their factions were outraged, but the Emperor remained firm.
Frustrated, Count Aradman left the palace and summoned Noma to vent.
“That cunning Duke Kailen has clearly plotted against me! He whispered to the Emperor, who then hastily delayed the recognition. Even the loyal nobles’ earnest advice was ignored!”
At that moment, Siren’s eyes shifted.
“Duke Kailen? He’s getting involved? I thought he would remain distant.”
“How am I to know what’s in his mind?” Aradman barked, but Siren ignored him, pressing her lips together.
In the past, it had been Duke Kailen who persistently obstructed him.
Then… he would immediately notice Sabina’s condition.
Sabina’s mind had been shattered multiple times.
She had believed the princess died, and her guilt intensified.
After completely breaking her, they presented Eve as a miracle, a pardon.
Of course, she had been kept nearby and brainwashed.
But now that she has entered the palace, my brainwashing may waver.
If Duke Kailen, who reads hearts so well, sees her…
He will notice the abnormality and soon learn the truth from her.
“A week, you said?”
“Yes! What could possibly be accomplished in a week?”
If he said one week, it meant he intended to overturn this situation within that time.
Siren smiled at Aradman.
“Don’t worry. I believe I can assist once more.”
Aradman brightened.
He had been waiting for that.
“Good! Tell me! How can I help?”
“Well…”
Siren requested a few tasks of Aradman.
It was what he had been planning anyway; only the timing was earlier.
“No problem! This is a great opportunity. You’ll understand!”
Aradman patted Siren’s shoulder and laughed.
Siren, ignoring him, thought:
What face will the Emperor make if he loses the daughter he finally found?
