Raised the Villainous Daughter and Ran Away

177. A love fight?

At Frances’ words, Raja blinked his eyes wide and asked. The confusion was evident even in his voice.

“… What are you talking about? No, aren’t you and Jean Barenberg in a master-servant relationship?”

“We are both master-servant and lovers. As soon as this liberation ceremony is over, we will announce our marriage.”

He opened his mouth and held his forehead as if he had not expected our relationship to be like this.

“Oh my god, I never thought of that… That’s why I did that back then… … .”

The reason Raja is so flustered is because of the obvious difference in status.

Even though I was a former royal, and even though I was known as the strongest transcendent being on the continent, it doesn’t change the fact that I was a captive and a slave who lost in war. On the other hand, France was the highest-ranking noble in the empire.

Although he is scheduled to receive a title of Marquis at this liberation ceremony, the public will view him differently. There will be various stories about his relationship.

“If you announce your marriage right after the Liberation Ceremony, your relationship will be a hot topic in social circles. Wouldn’t it be difficult if frivolous talk spreads?”

Yes, it is as Raja said.

No matter how high France holds the position of Duke of Descartes, there are always things to nip at wherever she goes.

“It doesn’t matter. I have plans.”

Frances continued, breathing calmly.

“First, I’m going to proceed with the engagement. I’m thinking of using journalists to change the subject a little bit.”

Raja tapped the table with his index finger and nodded, saying, “Go on.”

“I know there will be bad rumors about me, but they will spread stories like this: ‘The Duke of Descartes went ahead with the marriage in order to keep the power of Jean Warenberg.’”

Certainly. That would be sufficient justification. I have been Frances’s property until now.

“… I don’t want to get involved in these matters, but I will respect your opinion, Duke.”

Raja closed his eyes tightly and rubbed his forehead. Was there some other reason? He thought it would be better to just watch and remain silent.

“Actually, the Third Princess Leilia is very jealous of Jean Barenberg. I hate to say this to my younger brother, but he is a conscientious man who wants power without responsibility.”

So, in short, the princess wants to have power without any restrictions by marrying me.

‘He didn’t seem like that kind of person.’

Doesn’t that seem strange, considering that he’s a person who’s sensitive to trends and values ​​social influence? It makes sense, I guess.

“So, what do you want to say?”

Frances, who had been listening quietly, asked.

“It seems like it would be good for you and Leilia to meet and talk separately.”

Frances’ eyebrows quirked as she heard the words, “Isn’t it because it looks bothersome that you’re going to leave?”

“If the constitution of the empire proposes a political marriage, no one can refuse it. Even if it is a duke.”

But Raja continued,

“Duke Descartes is an important figure in Fedelian, so I don’t want our relationship to go wrong. So I would like you to talk to him yourself and convince Leilia.”

“Can’t you convince him?” asked Raja.

“Is there a reason why Your Majesty does not speak directly?”

“He won’t listen to me. And I’m not sure where I stand yet.”

Your position is not secure? You seem much more capable and intelligent than the previous emperor, Rezef.

“Can I ask why?”

When I asked the reason, unable to contain my curiosity, the Raja told me the current situation of the imperial family without hesitation.

“Haven’t there been many unpleasant incidents recently, not to mention the sudden change of imperial power? I took the throne under the pretext of doing it for the empire.”

Frances and I nodded our heads as we listened quietly.

“There have been two changes of imperial power. And in a short period of time. This is an unprecedented event, even in history.”

That’s true. The emperor died and the crown prince inherited the throne, which then passed on to the second prince.

“Besides, I did not officially inherit the throne, but rather I took it arbitrarily in an unprecedented situation, so the officials do not acknowledge this.”

Raja shook his head and continued speaking.

“It’s not just that I’m not a legitimate successor who hasn’t received the monarch’s education, but the bureaucrats are old enough to value tradition. They’re very closed-minded.”

I understand that they value traditions because they have a long history, but isn’t it true that the chaos is being put to rest because Raja is succeeding to the throne? I couldn’t understand their thinking at first.

Raja must have had the same thoughts as well, as he drank his wine and sighed.

“… So you were trying to maintain a good relationship with Descartes. For the sake of Your Majesty’s weak position.”

As Frances spoke quietly, Raja nodded slightly and answered.

“That is one thing, but it is more important for the Empire. Those who inherit the noble blood of the royal family must bear the same obligations to their bloodline as they enjoy the rights they have. This is my motto. I simply act according to my philosophy.”

In my opinion, he would be a much wiser and better ruler than someone like Rezef.

I have a sense of duty and responsibility, and I’m good at getting things done.

“… I understand Your Majesty’s circumstances. Before unnecessary stories and scandals spread, I will personally speak with Her Highness the Princess and sort things out.”

Only then did Raja nod and smile bitterly.

“Thank you for saying that. I am always indebted to you, both for myself and the Empire. This time too.

This will likely prevent any problems with the Emperor, and will also give you the upper hand.

‘In effect, Descartes has become the real power behind the Fedelians.’

I kind of expected it, but I didn’t think it would really turn out like this.

“The mood has suddenly become dull. Let’s go back to having a pleasant dinner.”

The conversation we had afterwards was not about anything important. It was just small talk and small talk about the liberation method.

And so, the dinner time, whether long or short, ended.

“Let’s get up now. It was nice talking to you all.”

Laughing, Raja rose from his seat first.

“Jin? Let’s go now.”

“yes.”

Frances said, guided by a servant working in the palace and assigned to a guest room.

“Then I will go and meet Her Highness the Princess.”

“Are you meeting alone?”

“Are you tired? Get some rest.”

She smiled warmly and hugged me tightly.

“I love you, Jin. Rest in peace.”

“Yes. If you find something bothersome or difficult, please let me know right away. I am always on France’s side.”

After finishing that simple kiss, Frances left to meet the princess.

‘Let’s rest as Frances said.’

I went into the guest room I was assigned and stretched out on the large bed.

I need a lot of recovery time because I’m sucking up too much energy… … .

* * *

Frances, who had moved, spoke to the chief servant and arranged for a meeting with Leilia.

I will make sure that damn princess doesn’t have any useless thoughts.

Suddenly, the door to the reception room opened and the third princess, Leilia, walked in.

It wasn’t the fancy look Frances was used to, perhaps because it had been hastily prepared.

“This is the first time since we met at the party.”

“Hello, Your Highness the Princess.”

After a brief greeting, Leilia sat down elegantly on the sofa.

“Why did you want to meet me?”

Leilia asked, holding the teacup prepared by the servant. There was no need to go back, Frances said right away.

“I heard from Your Majesty. Her Highness the Princess wishes to have a political marriage with Jean Barenberg.”

Leilia’s eyebrows furrowed.

“You knew it. It’s true.”

“… … .”

Frances’s face darkened. She was disgusted that this woman would covet her man simply for power and curiosity.

“… Your expression doesn’t look good. Is there a problem?”

“Yes. There are so many. So many that I want to tear my hair out.”

“…yes?”

Frances spoke in an aggressive tone. Leilia’s wavering eyes revealed her confusion.

“Jin and I are lovers. This liberation ceremony was also carried out in order to marry him. But I heard that there is a fox trying to get in between us.”

Leilia kept blinking and licking her lips.

“Hey, are you a fox…?”

“Yes. It’s a fox.”

“Huh, huh? Duke Descartes? What on earth are you talking about… .”

“If intercepting another man in the middle isn’t being a fox, what is it?”

Frances continued speaking, furrowing her brow even more.

“I also heard why you wanted Jin. You said you were curious about the combination of Pedelian’s jewel-like eyes, platinum blonde hair, and Jin’s golden eyes, right?”

Leilia nodded slowly.

“Oh, that’s right…?”

“And you wanted power from Jin.”

“… … .”

Leilia became silent.

No one is allowed to say such things to the noble Imperial family, but France, the Duke of Descartes, is an exception.

Because the empire is now dependent on her.

“…Are you asking me to withdraw my offer?”

“I’m not asking you to do it. Please withdraw it.”

“… … .”

Leilia narrowed her eyebrows and began to calculate the pros and cons.

‘Jean Barenberg is now a member of the Empire.’

If you are connected to Jin Barenberg through a political marriage that cannot be refused as stipulated in the imperial constitution, the benefits will be very great.

First of all, he can establish a firm position with his irreplaceable military force in the current empire, and he can secure the Barenberg forces that will be liberated this time.

Also, you can marry someone with solid abilities and good looks rather than marrying a mediocre nobleman.

‘hmm.’

However, his relationship with the Duke of Descartes, who was his lover, became completely strained.

What would be the benefit? If it is for the society of the empire as a member of the royal family, then the latter is obviously right.

However, the former is not a bad choice as it strengthens Leilia’s personal power.

As the wife of Jean Barenberg, her position is so firm that even the Duke of Descartes cannot abuse her power.

“Duke Descartes, I am truly sorry, but I do not see any reason why I should withdraw my offer.”

Leilia decided to choose the former. Although she was a member of the royal family, she was far from the political affairs of the empire and judged that personal power would be advantageous.

“… Are you really going to come out like that?”

“Yes, it will come out like that.”

“I guess what I said didn’t make sense?”

“Oh, is it okay for you to say that to me?”

Leilia covered her mouth and drew a line with her eyes. Her expression was full of leisure.

“If there are conditions under which I can give him up, I will withdraw my offer.”

Frances’s eyebrows twitched. From the beginning, that woman saw Jean as nothing more than a tool of power.

She really didn’t like the fact that he was trying to steal her man and was treating her like a tool.

‘This fucking b*tch… … .’

Frances’ eyes, filled with anger, were filled with a fierce murderous intent. It was a vicious murderous intent that even Leilia, who had no power at all, could sense.

“What, what is it?”

To harbor a grudge against the royal family would be a crime worthy of being thrown into the panopticon. But France was an exception.

Because it has an irreplaceable position and overwhelming power.

“If we keep going like this, it seems like we’ll end up talking nonsense.”

Frances shook her head. She stared at Leilia with wide eyes.

“Your Highness, this matter is not a matter of state affairs, but rather a matter of the relationship between a man and a woman, so I will speak frankly.”

As Leilia tilted her head, still feeling embarrassed, Frances raised the corners of her lips while touching her lower abdomen.

“I’ve already been in Jin’s arms and am even pregnant with his child, so do you still plan on going ahead with a political marriage?”