Chapter 30

For a moment, Leopold was taken aback by Euphrasia’s sudden question, but he quickly deduced the hypothesis she had come up with. He understood Euphrasia well. Anyone in her position would more likely assume they were the child of a criminal rather than a member of the royal family. 

Especially someone like her, who had lived such a turbulent life, would be accustomed to imagining the worst possible outcomes for her future. 

But how would Euphrasia react once she learned the truth? Amidst the complexity of his thoughts, Leopold found himself slightly amused, imagining her surprise. 

“Why can’t you answer me?” 

Euphrasia, unaware of Leopold’s thoughts, grew increasingly anxious. 

“Lady Euphrasia…” 

Thud! 

At that moment, hurried footsteps could be heard in the quiet backyard. The sound of running gradually slowed as it approached. 

Eric, with a stern expression, walked slowly toward them, his hands clasped behind his back, as if he were leisurely strolling. 

‘He must have rushed out here in a frenzy.’ 

Pfft. 

Leopold stifled a laugh and quickly adjusted his expression. His mind began racing in those brief moments. 

Meanwhile, Eric drew closer. When he judged that they were within earshot, Leopold pretended not to notice him and kept his gaze fixed on Euphrasia. 

The two pairs of eyes, so alike, met and stared at each other. 

“So, Lady Euphrasia, your parents…” 

Euphrasia, distracted by Eric’s approach, glanced at him briefly but remained focused on Leopold’s words. 

“Legally speaking, they are not criminals of the kingdom.” 

“Ah!” 

Euphrasia’s face brightened visibly. However, Leopold’s words were not finished. 

“However, from the perspective of Princess Isabella, they are likely considered criminals. And not just any criminals—but traitors who cannot be forgiven.” 

Euphrasia’s lips, which had been curling into a smile, trembled and froze. At the same time, a voice came from right beside her, replacing her own. 

“Ha! Criminals, you say?” 

Eric, now standing next to her, glared coldly at Leopold and parted his lips. 

“Euphrasia. Surely you’re not naïve enough to believe this suspicious Prince, are you? No matter how inexperienced you are with the world, you’re not so gullible as to trust just anyone, are you?” 

His sharp, twisted gaze turned to Leopold. 

“Well then, Your Highness, why don’t you explain how you tried to deceive my wife? Right here, in front of me.” 

Eric ground his teeth. If he hadn’t been restraining himself by constantly reminding himself of Leopold’s royal status, he would have already thrown him out. 

Despite Eric’s hostile and mocking attitude, Leopold remained composed. 

“In conclusion, Isabella plotted to eliminate Lady Euphrasia, and I happened to discover her plan.” 

Leopold nodded leisurely and added, as if he had been waiting for this moment. 

“It was merely by chance that I formed a connection with Lady Euphrasia. Knowing what I knew, I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. That’s all.” 

Euphrasia was unsure how much she could trust Leopold. He didn’t seem to be lying. After all, Leopold had saved Eric when he had been poisoned. 

But she couldn’t bring herself to trust him completely either. 

She couldn’t pinpoint why, but she felt as though, even while revealing everything, he was subtly hiding something. 

She glanced at Eric, hoping for some clarity, but he was simply staring intently at Leopold, lost in thought. 

‘It won’t be easy to fully convince them.’ 

Noticing Euphrasia’s hesitation, Leopold smiled bitterly. 

As she suspected, he wasn’t revealing everything. 

Leopold had deliberately kept her true identity a secret. 

Even so, he hadn’t fabricated any lies. From Isabella’s perspective, Euphrasia’s parents—King Hubert and his mistress—were indeed criminals. 

To Isabella, who had shed tears of blood because of them, they could never be forgiven. 

Initially, Leopold had planned to reveal that Euphrasia was his half-sister and honestly ask for her help. 

‘But there are too many variables.’ 

At that critical moment, Duke Herrington had appeared as an unexpected variable, glaring at him with intense pressure. 

The Duke’s genuine care for his sister was undoubtedly an advantage in the long run. 

If Euphrasia sided with him, Duke Herrington would likely become a powerful ally. 

However, since it was still uncertain whether Euphrasia would support him, revealing her identity to the Duke was risky. 

The Duke was a powerful figure in the Lockvela Empire. If he discovered that the Princess of Kettlin was under his roof, he might use her politically. 

‘In the worst-case scenario…’ 

He might imprison Euphrasia and lock her away in the Herrington estate. 

‘That can’t happen.’ 

Leopold resolved to do whatever it took to bring Euphrasia back to the kingdom. 

Convincing her to leave with him wouldn’t be easy. 

It wasn’t that he doubted his ability to persuade her. 

Rather, he recognized the possessiveness and obsession deeply hidden within Eric. 

‘Should I just kidnap her?’ 

Leopold considered even such an extreme and unrealistic idea as he carefully chose his words. 

He addressed both Euphrasia and Eric. 

“Although this poisoning attempt failed, Isabella will not give up so easily. She will undoubtedly try again. The next attempt will be even more dangerous and covert.” 

“We won’t be caught off guard a second time. Does she think I, or the Herrington family, are so careless?” 

Eric growled, his pride clearly wounded. 

However, Leopold replied firmly. 

“You say that because you don’t know Isabella. Do you know what kind of power the spirits of the earth possess? Unless you are part of the royal family of the kingdom, you cannot possibly understand.” 

This time, his warning came from genuine concern. 

Eric raised an eyebrow but couldn’t refute Leopold’s words. 

As Leopold had said, Eric didn’t fully understand the power of the spirits of Kettlin. 

“There’s no need to worry too much. I will protect her. I’ll stay at the Herrington estate and do everything in my power to ensure her safety.” 

“Why?” 

“Who gave you the right!”

Eric raised his voice, but Euphrasia’s question came first. 

She was no longer flustered. Calmly, she looked straight at Leopold and demanded further explanation. 

“Let’s say Princess Isabella is targeting me, and the situation is quite dangerous.” 

“That’s correct. You’ve understood perfectly.” 

“Then why? Why are you willing to share that danger and protect me?” 

“Because Isabella and I are adversaries. Preventing her from achieving her goals benefits me in many ways.” 

Leopold, who had been speaking without hesitation, paused for the first time. 

After swallowing dryly, he finally voiced the words he had been debating whether to say. 

“…I deeply admire your father. I respected him and still do.” 

His tone was bitter. 

At the same time, he felt a sense of relief. After all these years, he had finally expressed feelings he hadn’t been able to articulate. 

Of course, King Hubert, the person in question, would never hear these words—or want to. 

Though his father had rejected him countless times, Leopold knew he could never truly reject his father. 

Euphrasia regarded him with a peculiar expression. 

Eric, feeling a sense of unease, quickly waved his hand. A bad premonition crept over him. 

“Well, that was an impressive speech. I’ll admit it sounded plausible, but…” 

His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. 

“That doesn’t mean I can allow you to stay at the Herrington estate, Your Highness.” 

While it was true that his dislike of Leopold played a significant role, it wasn’t the only reason. 

Eric had a suspicion based on Leopold’s story. 

He recalled the time he had met with the Emperor privately before the victory banquet. 

The note he had received from the Emperor contained information about “another Princess of Kettlin” who might exist somewhere in the empire. 

If Isabella had sent poison to Euphrasia while this potential Princess was in the empire, then… 

‘Could my wife be the Princess of Kettlin?’ 

Eric quickly shook his head. 

Even if Euphrasia turned out to be the Princess of Kettlin… 

‘I won’t let her go.’ 

Eric steeled his resolve. 

But there was something he hadn’t considered. 

At an unexpected moment, an unexpected voice interrupted. 

“I’ll prepare a guest room. Let’s unpack your belongings first and continue the conversation later. It seems like it’s going to be a long discussion.” 

“Thank you, Madam.” 

“What?” 

Eric turned sharply, genuinely shocked. 

A wave of betrayal washed over him. 

Euphrasia, who had just dropped this bombshell, looked directly at him and spoke. 

“You said it yourself, didn’t you? Hosting guests is the lady of the house’s responsibility. I will gladly fulfill my duty.” 

Until the day I might leave, though it was uncertain when that day would come… 

Because I’m the lady of the Herrington estate. 

Swallowing her unspoken words, Euphrasia smiled brightly at Eric. 

Her expression, almost brazen, evoked an odd sense of emotion that didn’t suit the situation. 

Eric had only seen her smile like this once before—in the Imperial Garden, directed at Leopold. 

Ironically, at this moment, while Eric felt betrayed by her, he couldn’t help but feel moved that her smile was now directed at him.