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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kie]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
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Chapter 24: The Wicked Woman Selina (1)
"Have you heard?"
"You mean about that wicked woman? Who knows where she is or what she's doing?"
"I heard she used all sorts of tricks to try and seduce His Highness the Crown Prince and break up Lady Hazel's engagement with him."
"And now she's clinging to the Grand Duke. What is she even doing?"
"The Grand Duke is so naive because he's always on the battlefield. How could he resist when she must have used all sorts of tricks to seduce him?"
"Are you talking about Lady Arsene?"
It had been 23 days since Selina and Janus left the capital of Sephia.
The high society was currently divided into two groups.
One group was happily slandering Selina, while the other group, who knew Selina's true character through their interactions with her at the academy or through the merchant group, paid little attention to the rumors.
Unfortunately, they weren't active enough in high society to stop the bad rumors about Selina.
The group that usually followed Lady Hazel and called Selina a wicked woman had avoided mentioning her name directly.
This was a common practice among nobles, a way to protect themselves from unforeseen consequences.
But perhaps because Selina wasn't in the capital, they now answered boldly when someone asked them that question.
"Yes, I'm talking about Lady Arsene. The wicked Selina."
"The one who abandoned her family and left the capital with the Grand Duke for a military operation, even though her father, Count Arsene, is bedridden with an unknown illness."
"A lady who prioritizes men over her family and leaves the capital? She lacks the qualities of a noble lady."
"That's why she was dumped."
Hearing this from afar, a slender young lady approached.
"I couldn't just ignore what you just said."
"Lady Fezel."
"Greetings, Lady Fezel of the Marquisate."
One of the people who had been badmouthing Selina stepped forward to kiss her hand. However, she didn't extend her hand, instead speaking with a cold expression.
"I've been neglecting these high society gatherings, and now all sorts of strange rumors are circulating. I must find out who dared to spread such insults about my friend and the Grand Duke."
Fezel of the Divine Bow.
When it came to archery in the Sephia Empire, the Marquis Fezel’s family was second to none. They rivaled the Chase family, known for their Divine Sword.
"Lady Arsene, the one you call wicked, is a dear friend I made countless memories with at the academy. Even when I was back at my family estate during the holidays, we were like sisters..."
"Get to the point, sister."
"Alright, I'll stop. There's no need to share my precious bond with Selina with these pathetic people."
People greeted the man who approached Valerie and interrupted her.
"Greetings, Young Lord Fezel."
The man, who looked exactly like Valerie, glared at the people coldly and spoke.
"Yes, it seems you all know I'm the Young Lord Fezel. But you dare insult the Grand Duke in front of me? The man I respect the most?"
"We didn't insult the Grand Duke."
"We were just talking about the wicked Selina."
"So, I'm asking who spread those rumors about this wicked Selina..."
As Valerie spoke, looking increasingly angry, Matteo cut in with a cold expression.
"Sister, go home if you want to make a scene."
"Brother, you go home. I'll find everyone who insulted our Selina and sew their mouths shut."
"You can't even sew properly."
"Who said you can only sew mouths shut with a needle?"
Valerie and Matteo Fezel.
The Fezel twins played a significant role in maintaining the Fezel Marquisate's power in noble society.
These twins, who constantly argued over who was the older sibling, displayed exceptional archery skills, seemingly guaranteeing the future of the Fezel Marquisate.
They were considered the pride of the Fezel family, but they were also eccentric with distinct likes and dislikes.
"If what those people said is true, then our Selina is trying to marry the Grand Duke... She has good taste."
"I don't know how great Selina is, but I won't forgive anyone who tarnishes the Grand Duke's reputation. Tell them to stay out of my sight. Tell them to stay away from the Grand Duke."
"The Grand Duke has good taste too, that's why he chose our Selina. If you're going to say the same thing as those ignorant people, stay away from me. I don't want to see your face."
"Are you done?"
"Not yet, what are you going to do about it?"
Marquis Fezel shook his head as if he had a headache, watching the two arguing in the distance.
A servant quietly approached him and handed him a small piece of paper. After checking it, the Marquis put on a mask and quietly left.
When he entered the ballroom's lounge, a person wearing a similar mask was waiting for him.
"Since there is no eternal night..."
"The day will dawn for us too."
After exchanging the code, the two sat down on the lounge sofa and sighed deeply.
"They're arriving safely, aren't they?"
The man who had arrived first asked, and Marquis Fezel nodded and said, "Yes, I received a message from the escort. They'll arrive in the capital tomorrow."
"Tomorrow... There are malicious rumors spreading in the capital right now, will it be alright?"
Marquis Fezel clenched his fist and said,
"The Imperial Family is deliberately fueling the bad rumors, and they've brought Count Arsene and Duke Phillip to the Imperial Palace and confined them so they can't refute the rumors."
"They've been confined in the Imperial Palace for days, I hope they're in good health."
"Officially, they're not confined, they're invited guests having discussions for a few days. Be careful what you say."
"This seems to be getting bigger and bigger."
"This is why the dragon's power should remain with the Imperial Family. This is what happens when it leaves the Imperial Family."
"If Christa had become the Empress, this wouldn't have..."
"Shh! This is the Imperial Palace. Be careful what you say, someone might hear you."
"Do you think I don't know that? Lady Arsene is in a difficult situation. She's the Grand Duke's mate. How can she be treated like this? A wicked woman? Spreading malicious rumors is one thing, but there's a limit."
The masked man continued, unable to contain himself.
"Besides... Considering all the clues about the fake mate that the Imperial Family has been spreading, it's absurd. So much time and money have been wasted chasing after it."
Marquis Fezel sighed at those words and spoke.
"I'm frustrated too. The people we should be serving with respect and loyalty are now being ridiculed... The young nobles have already been swayed. The day the Grand Duke announces his marriage to the Grand Duchess, they'll immediately oppose it."
"That's what the Imperial Family is aiming for."
The masked man said with concern at Marquis Fezel's words.
"About their marriage... The temple didn't officiate it, but it won't be considered invalid, will it?"
"According to the escort, there's definite proof."
"Proof of marriage?"
"Yes."
"What is it?"
"It's..."
Marquis Fezel was about to say something, but he sensed someone approaching and turned in that direction.
"Show yourself. It's not good to eavesdrop."
Several figures emerged from the darkness and approached the two masked individuals.
"As expected. Even the walls have ears in the Imperial Palace."
"Let's continue this conversation after we get out of here safely."
The two slowly backed away, then pushed themselves out of the balcony window and jumped down to escape.
Inside the ballroom, the joyous sounds of people unaware of the commotion filled the air. The figures that had emerged from the darkness ran towards the balcony, chasing the two who had escaped.
"There's proof of their marriage?"
Ruth, the last one remaining in the lounge, said.
"If we get rid of that proof, it won't matter if they claim to be married, will it?"
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kie]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
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