Chapter 97

Chapter 97

<small>trigger warning: non-consensual acts/sexual assault</small>Diiscover new stories at novelhall.com

The necklace had twelve rubies and dozens of diamonds on it. The twelve rubies themselves were surrounded by tiny diamonds in a flower-like design that was harmoniously beautiful.

The grade of the rubies was also simply the best. It was certainly a topnotch item that couldnt be measured by mere price alone. Isella, even if she was Verdics daughter, wouldnt have been able to get her hands on this.

It was something that only royalty could bestow. And at the same time, its not the kind of gift that would be given based on mere memory or sentimentits something that would normally be given to ones consort or mistress.

Carynne clutched her temples. When exactly did Crown Prince Gueuze start paying attention to her?

How very obvious.

She sighed and set the necklace down again. He was showing his greed in such a hurry. Wasnt he acting like a thief who was trying to steal while the owners not around? Hes being too hasty. Too blatant.

Whoa

In the middle of covering the necklace with cloth, Donna touched it with her fingertips, gawking at it. Then, she slowly stepped back. She seemed afraid to even just touch for no reason.

Youll be alright, Milady.

Carynne chewed on her lower lip. Shes so incredibly tired that its killing her. Carynne couldnt afford to even think about Crown Prince Gueuze right now. Theres so many other things plaguing her mind already. All she wished for was to spend this year going on a peaceful murdering spree, and yet that wish was like a distant dream now.

Maybe its just because His Highness thinks of Milady as his own daughter, or maybe hes thrilled just being able to recall Madam Catherine, or something

Donna tried to look at things optimistically, however she shut herself up the moment she saw Carynnes hardened expression. Donna wouldnt have been able to say such a flowery thing if she had seen Crown Prince Gueuze. And that look in his eyes.

He wants me to wear this and go to the palace tomorrow. I guess well find out once Im there.

Hes not even giving her any time to think.

Crown Prince Gueuze was not an important character to Carynne. He wasnt the one Catherine chose. Regardless of how much power he had or what he looked like, he held absolutely no value to Carynne. He wasnt the answerhes just a side character.

Theres too many characters.

Pardon?

Leave the stage.

Huh?

Carynne waved towards Donna, who was just perplexed.

Kidding. Anyway, its too complicated to get involved with a big shot. Besides

Y-Yes?

Did you receive any telegrams from Sir Raymond?

It has only been one day that he Um, no, there are none.

Carynne was sitting opposite him on a chair. She was hoping that he wouldnt order her to raise her head. Its annoying.

Why do you think I called you?

Arent you just obviously trying to drag me to bed as Catherines replacement?

But Carynne pressed down on the urge to spit this out. Shes not crazy enough just yet to say such a thing.

Youre trembling.

She couldnt stop herself from shaking. Carynne tried to stop her eyes from doing so at least, but it was difficult to do so. It was out of her control.

Why am I trembling?

Carynne wondered to herself.

Why am I shaking? Because Im afraid of dying? Or is it because Im scared to betray Raymond by sleeping with Crown Prince Gueuze? A betrayal of love? But why do I feel so repulsed?

Why do I loathe this man.

Is it because I love Raymond?

Shh.

Crown Prince Gueuze swept Carynnes hair aside. Carynne wondered, really. What was this subtle uneasewhat was this disgust that she was feeling. Even when she had once been drugged and had been caressed and enjoyed and devoured by many amidst all chaos, or even when she had been forced into doing it with filthy men in the back alley, she had never felt a repulsive sensation as strong as this.

Why do I feel so dirty?

Because Crown Prince Gueuze was old? However, when it came to encounters with nobility, it was more common than not to be entangled with older men rather than young men. And when dealing with the royal family, age did not matter any longer. Carynne also got involved with older men before. But it didnt feel as nauseating as it did now.

Was it because she was being forced into it? But even back then when she had been physically beaten as she was being forced, she didnt feel the same repugnance. She could even say that she could take everything in stride, no matter what kind of man it was.

Mmph.

Carynne did not know the reason, until Crown Prince Gueuze invaded her lips with his tongue.

Y-Your Highness.

It wasnt because of fear. It wasnt because of his age. And neither was it because of her love for Raymond.

P-Please dont do this.

Because of that person.

The only one other than herself who she considered human. Not ink, not from this novel world, not comprised of words that meant nothing. The only real person who had lived a repetitive life just like herself.

Lady Catherine, her mother.

If you honor my mothers memory, please dont do this.