𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓𝟒: 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐮𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞
Lord Montyver suddenly lifted his downcast face and stared at me.
With a face about to burst into tears, he said in a whisper, “Thank you.”
Even without saying a word, it seemed I was able to provide some comfort, and I felt a sigh of relief.
ㅤ
“After that, all the officials, perhaps because they were wary of the Queen’s mood, made moves to avoid assigning me under their command.”
ㅤ
Even without knowing the true identity of Lord Montyver, it seems rumors had spread that he was someone who had done something noteworthy.
ㅤ
“At that time, I thought of myself as a very miserable and shameful existence.”
ㅤ
Such a turning point arrived for Lord Montyver.
ㅤ
“Prince Ghodrove said he would welcome me as a royal knight. I thought it was a miracle.”
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It seems that Lord Montyver was gladly accepted.
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“The only one who understood the real me and treated me kindly was Prince Ghodrove.”
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Before joining, it seems he even asked why he had been accepted.
ㅤ
“Prince Ghodrove was also a child of a concubine and had no right to inherit the throne. So he said he could understand my feelings. We were similar, and although sympathy might have been the trigger, I was truly happy.”
ㅤ
I’m genuinely glad that there was a man like Prince Ghodrove by Lord Montyver’s side.
If no one had reached out, what would have happened to him by now? The mere thought pained my heart.
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“For a while after becoming a royal knight, my days passed peacefully but――.”
ㅤ
One day, I couldn’t believe my ears at an unexpected situation.
ㅤ
“The king welcomed a new concubine.”
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If that was all, it would have been fine.
But the king fell deeply in love with the new concubine, Karina.
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“After a while, Karina became pregnant and gave birth.”
ㅤ
The child born was a prince.
As with Lord Montyver, the king declared he would grant the right of succession to the throne.
The queen vehemently opposed it, but this time it seems he didn’t listen.
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“To make matters worse, the King said he would grant the right of succession to not only Prince Leonardo but also to me, Marion.”
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Giving the right of succession to Prince Leonardo is not special or anything. It seems he was used to arguing that point.
Lord Montyver protested through Prince Ghodrove that he did not need the right to succeed the throne, but it was not heard.
ㅤ
“In the end, I received the right to the third place in the line of succession, lower than Prince Leonardo. Even if I wanted to decline, I couldn’t, and I still have the qualification to become king.”
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However, it seems Lord Montyver has no intention of appearing in society as Princess Marion.
He spoke of his succession right as if it was practically non-existent.
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“Still, it seems some people felt threatened.”
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Since his right to succession returned, he has been targeted for his life again.
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“Eight years have passed since Prince Leonardo was born and granted the right of succession, it’s been ongoing.”
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I can’t imagine how difficult those days must have been.
Yet he never showed it, always wore a smile, and acted as the carefree knight “Leon・Von・Montyver.”
ㅤ
The darkness in his heart was deeper and denser than I thought.
It’s not something you hear about in casual conversation in the garden.
ㅤ
“Well, somehow, I managed to survive till today.”
ㅤ
Recently, since it’s known that poison doesn’t work on him, they seem to use various methods to aim for his life.
One of them was using the curse the other day.
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“The one aiming for Leon-sama’s life is that. . . . . .”
“Well, I have a rough idea, but I can’t pin down who it is.”
ㅤ
As for the perpetrator, it seems they are in the middle of investigation with Prince Ghodrove.
The queen is the most suspicious, but Lord Montyver seems to be suspecting another person as well.
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“I suppose I am also a nuisance to Karina, being the rightful heir to the throne.”
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Indeed, when we met before, I did not think that Lord Montyver had a good impression on her.
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“But, I really don’t know. Everyone seems to be out to kill me, it’s terrifying.”
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It’s not a bad thing to cast a suspicious eye in all directions without pinpointing a culprit.
ㅤ
“Everyone is so good at playing innocent. When they’re just talking normally, I don’t sense any malice, murderous intent, or hostility. In such a situation, Lara is cute because she’s wary of me in an obvious way.”
“I’ve heard that story before.”
“I want to tell it as many times as possible.”
ㅤ
It’s embarrassing, so once is enough. Even if I appeal that way, Lord Montyver won’t listen.
After talking a lot about me, he looks up at the sky and murmurs as if he’s talking to himself.
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“But, being raised as a woman wasn’t all bad. I learned makeup from the maids when I was a princess, and it seems to be a weapon for women. I didn’t understand when I heard the story, but I understand now.”
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Being beautifully dressed seems to be a way to fight.
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“Being clean and tidy gives a good impression just by standing there, and beauty is useful for covering up when something happens.”
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There seems to be some problems that can be solved just by Lord Montyver’s smile.
That’s how powerful beauty is.
The power of makeup is not only that.
If you draw a line to lift the corners of your eyes, you look strong, and if you draw a line to droop, you look gentle.
If you do your makeup according to the person you’re meeting, you can also manipulate the impression of your face.
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“That’s why I, who am not good at playing innocent, continue to wear makeup.”
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He seems to like the fact that he can hide visible health problems and skin conditions, such as poor complexion and lip color.
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“I’m a little curious about the face of Lord Montyver without makeup.”
“If you’re going to let me stay here, I can show you.”
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As he approaches me and says with a full smile, I impulsively reach out and grab his cheek.
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It must have been unexpected. Lord Montyver looks surprised with his eyes wide open.
But that was only for a moment, and he soon smiled.
When I quickly released my hand, Lord Montyver started laughing, clutching his stomach.
ㅤ
“Haha, Lara, you always do unexpected things!”
“I’m sorry, I was wondering what you were saying all of a sudden.”
“It’s really like that. But I didn’t say it lightly.”
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It seems that he really wants to stay here.
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“I hope that you and Ren, and the Marchioness will allow me to stay someday.”
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If not only Ren but also the Marchioness gives permission, I have to admit it.
Lord Montyver stretches and says, “I feel refreshed!”
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“I was planning to just talk about being raised as a woman today, but Lara told me that what’s heavy for me may not be heavy for others.”
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Lord Montyver’s past was nothing but severe and heavy, but it wasn’t a story he should carry alone.
If opening up to me made him feel lighter, then that’s a good thing.
I ended up thinking that.
ㅤ
“Thank you, Lara.”
“No, all I can do is listen to your story.”
“But that’s enough to save me.”
ㅤ
On a warm afternoon with sunlight streaming in, Lord Montyver said that with a gentle smile.
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