I Was Tricked Into A Fraudulent Marriage By The Obsessive Villain - Chapter 5.6 - Banquet

‘I want to go home. But this is my home. I still want to go home…….’

Though all the servants were astounded at the sight of her, all Iona wanted was to dive into bed right then and there.

“We’ve been waiting for you. Please come this way, Your Highness.”

The butler spoke eloquently, raising the corners of his mouth.

“Today, she will become the official Grand Duchess. She may not be able to live as freely as before… I want her to share sisterly love with me. Please overlook this.”

“Yes. I will do so.”

Reluctantly, Meyer stepped aside and escorted Iona to the carriage of the Hardin family, which was in front of the Thanatos carriage.

With all her energy drained by the maids as she was dressed up, Iona hadn’t noticed Johanna’s strange behavior.

But Madam Kalzavas was different.

“Three things. You remember, Your Grace?”

Iona flinched at the low tone of her voice as she saw her off, and her expression changed reflexively.

“As you say.”

“Very well.”

At Iona’s torn expression, Madam Kalzavas nodded and stepped back.

Soon after Johanna boarded, the carriage door closed.

“Have a good trip.”

“Your Highness, have a good trip.”

The carriage began to run vigorously towards the palace.

“Is there anyone who can reach the palace faster than this carriage?”

As the carriage left the estate, Madam Kalzavas suddenly said.

“What do you mean?”

“It seems that the duke has no intention of letting Her Highness enter as the Grand Duchess.”

“……!”

Meyer and the maid’s eyes widened at Madam Kalzavas’s words.

“I will send someone skilled in horsemanship right away.”

Meyer muttered gravely and headed inside the mansion.

Madam Kalzavas nodded her head.

There was a sharp glint in her eyes as she stared at the carriage.

***

The carriage ran fast.

Iona was staring blankly out the window.

– His Highness the Grand Duke said he would go first. Your Highness.

– ……Really?

As she regained some of her strength, it dawned on her that Carvain had left her behind.

He was a man with a pettily spiteful side. Just because he was a bit late, he left first.

Saying we’d see each other in a little while. Hilarious.

Could it be because she didn’t take his side during the argument with her sister…?

Or was there some urgent matter?

Questions led to more questions.

With the help of the palace attendant, Iona and Joanna got off the carriage.

“Thank you.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

The attendant was waiting for them in front of the party hall.

 “What’s going on here?”

Iona felt awkward in her dress, which she hadn’t worn in a long time.

Johanna straightened her dress to make sure it wasn’t wrinkled.

Indeed, it’s said that love born of hate is the most fearsome, yet it seems a sister is still a sister.

While being attended to by the maids, Iona continued to ponder why Johanna had come all the way to the Grand Duke’s residence.

‘I thought she would be angry as soon as she saw me…’

But Joanna just looked at Iona with a shadow on her face without being angry.

Was she really worried about herself as she said, or was there another political motive she didn’t know about…? It seemed like she was worried about her.

“Iona.”

Without shedding tears of emotion over the warmth of sisterly affection that had been absent for so long, Iona was about to but then Johanna suddenly spoke.

“Mmh?”

Johanna, who was fixing the wrinkled hem of the dress, took something out of her pocket and attached it to Iona’s dress.

“Huh? What’s this…?”

It was a brooch with the family crest of the Hardin family.

“Now that I’m married off, is it okay for me to wear this?”

Iona drew a question mark on her face.

In the next moment, Johanna grabbed Iona’s shoulders with both hands and turned her towards herself.

“Listen well to your sister.”

“Ah, of course, of course. I’m always listening well. Am I a little foal?”

Iona playfully replied, and Johanna’s grip on her shoulders shook slightly.

“…What’s wrong? Is something the matter?”

It was only then that Iona noticed Johanna’s somewhat serious gaze.

Johanna’s eyes were deeply sunken.

“You are not participating as the Grand Duchess of Thanatos today.”

“Huh……?”

What is this all about? It’s not like I’m Hong Gildong.

T/n: I´m not sure why that person is mentioned but Hong Gildong, sometimes referred to as the Korean Robin Hood, is by far the most famous literary figure in classical literature. His story as a headstrong outlaw, powerful sorcerer, and wise king is told in the Joseon Dynasty novel The Story of Hong Gildong.

A grand duchess, yet not a grand duchess?

“You’re participating as Lady Hardin.”

“…….”

……XX. What?

So, are you saying you directly planted a dead flag for your sister who just got married?

Upon hearing Johanna’s words, Iona’s thoughts moved swiftly.

According to Johanna, it seemed that Carvain had set off first, and it was Johanna’s doing.

– Don’t push me away.

The voice that whispered fiercely still lingers in her ears.

It hadn’t been long since she promised not to push him away, but now he was being betrayed like this.

Even someone unfamiliar with social circles knew that much.

Married nobles had to enter together, without exception.

Even couples in divorce proceedings had to enter together.

But now, not only had she made Carvain enter alone, she was participating in the event not as his wife, but under a different status.

This was a clear betrayal.

If she backstabbed in this manner, Carvain wouldn’t just leave her and Johanna alone.

And most importantly, she didn’t want to backstab in this way.

– Please believe me.

The man’s whispering voice lingered in her ears.

“Sister, this isn’t right.”

“No. This is the only way. It’s the only way to get you out.”

Johanna roughly stopped Iona from removing the brooch.

“When did I ever ask you to get me out!”

“Just listen to me.”

“Why are you acting like this, really! Carvain and I have no problems at all. Sister. Huh? I get what you’re worried about but…”

At that moment, trying to somehow manage the situation in the lowest voice possible, lest they attract any attention, a servant announced Iona and Johanna’s presence.

“Duke Hardin and the young lady have arrived!”

Ah.

X it’s ruined.