Episode 15
“The Only Legitimate Heir”
Lucy stepped into the garden with Riouniel.
For a moment, she felt like she’d seen this scene before.
That was because a group of attendants — sent by Prince Phoebe — stood there holding boxes and luggage.
“Greetings, Lady Lucy. We are attendants sent by His Highness Prince Phoebe.”
“Nice to meet you. But… what business does His Highness have with me?”
“His Highness wishes to meet you tomorrow in his office inside the Imperial Palace — privately, just the two of you.”
“I see… we had agreed to meet sometime later, but… what are all those boxes?”
“Oh, these are dresses and shoes that His Highness personally ordered and had made for you to wear to the meeting tomorrow.”
“That’s… quite unnecessary…”
The attendants opened the boxes, and Riouniel’s jaw dropped at the sight of the dazzling jewels and fabrics.
Lucy, on the other hand, felt overwhelmed and uncomfortable.
“Please take them inside. Tell His Highness that Lady Lucy will visit him tomorrow afternoon. Let’s go, Lucy.”
“Yes, Miss Niel.”
Seeing Lucy too flustered to respond, Riouniel calmly handled the situation.
Still dazed, Lucy followed her toward her room.
Once the attendants left, Riouniel broke the silence — loud and dramatic as ever.
“See? I told you Prince Phoebe would make a move!”
“When he said he wanted to meet alone, I wasn’t sure… but sending gifts like this? I think I can guess what he’s after.”
“Lucy, you’re beautiful, of course — but Prince Phoebe is known for chasing after any woman who catches his eye. Even if you’re his brother’s lover, he wouldn’t hesitate.”
“Beautiful? No, no. That can’t be why. There are many women far prettier and more talented than me.”
“I’m telling you, it’s obvious! I know men like him. Do you remember who my husband was?”
“…”
“The type who loses his mind around any woman. Ugh, I hate even thinking about it.”
“I know how much you suffered. I saw it all, remember?”
“If you and His Highness hadn’t gotten rid of that man, I swear I would’ve killed him myself one day.”
“Haha… I understand the feeling, but calm down. It’s all over now.”
“That’s the problem! Because I do know men like that, I can’t calm down! And now he’s asking to meet you alone! Who knows what he’ll try without the Crown Prince around? Ugh, it’s disgusting!”
Riouniel shuddered at the memory of her ex-husband.
“Come on, surely he won’t go that far. Not with his brother’s lover, whom he’s already met formally.”
Lucy slowly walked to the living room after confirming the attendants had left. She picked up one of the dresses carefully laid out.
“Red… and such a revealing design… He really ordered this himself? Do I have to wear it?”
“I think you should. It’s a bit much, but refusing a prince’s gift outright might cause problems.”
Riouniel shook her head as she opened the rest of the boxes.
“Oh my goodness, this is ruby! And this one’s diamond! Look at the jewelry — and the shoes! Those gems are real. How much did he spend on this?”
“So… it’s safe to say his intentions aren’t pure?”
“Obviously. What we feared has become reality. Good luck, Lucy. There’s… not much I can do to help you here.”
“I’ll manage. It’s not like this is the first time I’ve dealt with something like this.”
Lucy smiled faintly, but she couldn’t stop the sigh that escaped her.
***
At the Crown Prince’s office
“What? My brother did what?”
“Prince Phoebe sent his attendants to the Beria mansion, delivered dresses and gifts, and invited the young lady to meet him privately,” reported H., his tone calm and matter-of-fact.
Pierre, however, jumped to his feet and began pacing nervously in front of his desk.
“My brother… invited Lucy?”
“…”
“No. I can’t let this happen. I’ll go to him myself and tell him to cancel the invitation.”
“But, Your Highness,” H. said carefully, “Lady Lucy asked me to tell you that she wishes to handle this matter herself — and asks that you trust her completely.”
“…Even so, I can’t just sit here.”
“I understand how you feel, but you also know that we cannot afford to show any weakness to Prince Phoebe right now.”
“I know, H. I know that if I make one wrong move, all my efforts to keep him in check will be wasted. But I can’t just send Lucy into his hands.”
“…”
“You know what he’s really like. He acts polite and charming in public, but underneath he’s a complete womanizer. If Lucy goes to him…”
“Would he really try to seduce the woman who’s to become Crown Princess? Even if he did, Lady Lucy is strong and intelligent — she can handle herself.”
“This isn’t about whether she can endure it or not. No one should ever have to endure that. Especially not Lucy.”
“…You’re right. Forgive me, Your Highness. I spoke thoughtlessly.”
H. bowed his head.
Pierre bit his thumbnail, restless.
I can’t just sit back knowing what might happen to her.
But if he interfered, it would not only show weakness to Phoebe, it would also betray Lucy’s trust.
Finally, Pierre clenched his fists and made his decision — this time, he would trust her.
Still, even after resolving to stay put, the heavy sigh that followed felt like it came from the depths of his chest.
***
The next day.
Inside the swaying carriage, Lucy sat stiffly, nervous as she approached Prince Phoebe’s office.
Prince Phoebe… he’s gaining power through his mother, the Empress, and his wife, who’s a princess from another kingdom. They say he’s deeply involved in diplomacy and foreign affairs.
For a man like that to summon her privately — it was impossible not to feel tense.
“We’ve arrived, Lady Lucy.”
When Lucy stepped out, attendants were waiting and bowed deeply.
“His Highness is expecting you. Please follow us.”
“Ah… yes. Thank you.”
Holding up her skirt to keep it from dragging, Lucy followed them down the hallway.
She hadn’t wanted to wear the red dress or shoes, but Riouniel convinced her not to refuse the prince’s “kindness.”
Even so, Lucy felt uncomfortable every step of the way.
“Your Highness, Lady Lucy has arrived.”
“Send her in.”
The doors opened, and Lucy entered carefully.
Prince Phoebe stood up at once, greeting her with a smile that failed to hide the gleam in his eyes.
He might’ve tried to look polite — but Lucy had seen that kind of look too many times before.
The eyes of a man with bad intentions.
“Thank you for coming, Lady Lucy. I hope I didn’t trouble you too much by asking for this meeting?”
“Not at all. I also wished to apologize for any past misunderstanding. Thank you for inviting me.”
He pulled out a chair for her.
Lucy sat with a polite, uneasy smile. Phoebe then sat — right next to her, not across from her.
Don’t people usually sit across from each other in meetings like this?
She could feel his stare from the side. Her hands curled tightly into fists on her lap.
“I heard you saved Pierre’s life.”
“Ah… yes, but it was really just luck. The situation happened to work out that way.”
“You saved my brother’s life. That makes you a truly remarkable woman. Such things don’t happen by chance.”
“Haha… You’re too kind.”
“The color red suits you beautifully. The moment I saw you, I thought you’d look stunning in a passionate red dress.”
“…It’s a bit much for me, honestly. I wore it only because I didn’t want to be rude, but I’d prefer to return it.”
“Then why don’t you take it off right now and return it?”
“…What did you just say?”
“Haha! I’m kidding. You’re so innocent — your reaction is adorable.”
Lucy’s biggest struggle was not her fear — it was holding back her anger.
‘Stay calm. Breathe. You can’t hit him. Not here.’
She had to endure it, for the sake of the plan.
“You’re very humorous, Your Highness. As for the rest of the jewelry I didn’t wear today, I’ll have the servants return them to you.”
“No, keep them. Don’t all women love such things? Dresses, jewels, perfume, luxury — that’s what makes life sweet, isn’t it?”
“I’m not sure what you’re implying, but I’m not interested in such things.”
“Come now. Be honest. You approached Pierre for… what? Wealth? Status? It’s natural — ambition suits a woman like you.”
“Your Highness.”
“I was too direct, wasn’t I? I’m not good at subtlety.”
“…I’m honestly speechless. If this is how the conversation will continue, I think I’ll take my leave.”
Just like the Empress, Phoebe too believed Lucy had seduced Pierre for wealth and title.
Yes, technically, her deal with Pierre did include restoring her family’s honor and clearing her debts — but that wasn’t why she stayed by his side.
“Please, wait. We haven’t even had a proper conversation yet.”
“What is it you want to ask me? You said you prefer being direct — so speak plainly.”
“Heh… very well. Then I’ll ask just one question.”
“…”
“Does it have to be Pierre?”
Lucy frowned, her patience finally snapping at his absurd question.
