“The handwriting is awkwardly thin, and the rhythm of the strokes is different. It was indeed a fabricated letter.”
Theodore’s gaze sharpened.
“Someone who had the list made Ruben Darka write a fake letter, and they forged Kayla’s handwriting to create the letter.”
“Who would do such a thing…!”
“We don’t have time to figure that out. First, call a calligraphy expert. Start with handwriting analysis. Have them compare everything from Kayla’s writing to the forged letter’s paper, ink, and flow of handwriting.”
※※※
Late at night, only moonlight quietly illuminated the sky. In the annex of the grand ducal residence, Kayla’s book and the forged letter were neatly placed on the desk.
“I’ve checked both documents.”
A middle-aged man said as he removed his glasses. He was Dr. Aldo, one of the Empire’s foremost document authentication experts. The doctor was an individual who could identify not only handwriting but also pressure and paper fiber structure, and had been urgently summoned on Theodore’s orders.
“There are clear differences between Lady Kayla’s handwriting and the letter that Ruben Darka claims to have received.”
“In what way?”
Theodore asked as he approached him.
“The stroke speed is different, and the signature especially shows uneven pressure.”
He pointed to the paper grain through a magnifying glass.
“The ink used in the forged letter is not commonly used in the capital. Nobles especially don’t use it because of its poor quality. The difference in bleeding is clearly visible.”
“So someone else was commissioned to write it.”
“That’s likely the case. No noble could forge this elaborately. Yet seeing that it’s not perfect, it was probably made in the back alleys.”
Theodore quietly nodded.
“Thank you, this evidence will be of great help at the trial.”
After organizing the documents, the doctor carefully spoke.
“The fact that Your Highness has personally taken up this matter means justice still remains. I’ll see you at the trial.”
※※※
At the same time, at the Rosehill residence. Frea was combing her hair with her hand while looking out the window in her bedroom. Just then, a maid hurriedly entered the room.
“Miss, something terrible has happened.”
“What is it?”
“His Highness the Grand Duke has summoned a handwriting analysis expert… they’re thoroughly analyzing the evidence…!”
Frea’s expression instantly hardened.
“Handwriting…?”
“Yes, according to our intelligence network, the expert has already arrived at the grand ducal residence and completed the work.”
“This quickly?”
Frea turned and leaned against the window. Her gaze was shaking, and her breathing became rapid.
‘Surely… Marcel said he didn’t leave any traces?’
Frea wore a frightened expression for the first time. Theodore hadn’t confronted her directly. Instead, he moved calmly and methodically like water. Rather, that silence felt threatening.
“He doesn’t have… even the slightest doubt about that woman?”
Frea’s body trembled slightly.
‘It’s okay, nothing is certain yet. There’s not enough time to prove I ordered it.’
She slowly moved her body to look out the window again.
“Then I too… must move before then.”
Frea’s eyes shone more terribly, more viciously.
Two days before the trial, in the basement of the Rosehill residence, Frea was sitting across from a shabbily dressed man reeking of alcohol in the eerie cellar. She slightly covered her face with a fan and looked at him as if he were pathetic. Frea frowned at his stale odor.
“You’ll really give me money just for testifying?”
The man asked with greedy eyes. Frea quietly held out a pouch of gold coins.
“Of course. Just say that you used to work as Ruben Darka’s servant and were present during the transaction with Baron Grenville. Oh, and also that Lady Kayla was ‘with’ them.”
The man swallowed hard as he glanced at the pouch of gold coins. Then he asked in a cautious voice.
“But… if it’s discovered…”
Frea subtly threatened him while casually touching the necklace around her neck.
“According to the Empire’s registry, you’re already dead, aren’t you? Since your existence has been erased, there’s no way you’ll be caught.”
At those words, the corners of the man’s mouth slowly rose. He slowly reached out to grab the pouch of gold coins, and Frea firmly blocked his hand.
“Remember. You must emphasize this. Make sure to say ‘Kayla turned her head and said nothing.’ That’s the key. Understood?”
“Don’t worry, Miss. I’m an excellent liar.”
The man smugly smiled and put the pouch of gold coins in his coat. As Frea stood up, she quietly muttered.
“After the trial ends, you’d better leave the Empire immediately.”
Her eyes were filled with confidence and malice as she walked out of the underground corridor.
‘The evidence and witness are perfect. That woman will never escape this trap.’
Frea’s eyes were tinged with cold certainty.
※※※
Meanwhile at the same time, in the grand ducal residence’s office, Theodore was sitting at a table with Ruben Darka’s documents spread out, continuing an emergency meeting with key figures including William and Ian.
“We’ve found Ruben Darka’s whereabouts. There’s a witness who saw him heading to the southern borderlands after his downfall.”
As Ian reported, Theodore calmly asked.
“Where is he now?”
“According to Chaos’s report, he’s hiding in a shabby inn near an abandoned mining town in the south. But there’s one suspicious point.”
“Tell me.”
In response to Theodore’s question, Ian said in a low voice.
“A man wearing a black cloak recently contacted Ruben Darka.”
“That person must have instructed Ruben to give false testimony.”
Theodore’s expression gradually hardened.
“That’s highly likely. We need to capture Ruben directly to extract the truth.”
“Good, tell Chaos. Ruben Darka must be brought in before the formal trial, no matter what.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Theodore raised his tired body and slowly approached the window. The wind was weakly shaking the curtains. In his eyes, Kayla’s tears kept shimmering.
‘If we bring in Ruben Darka, we can present him as our witness. We must bring him in before they make their move.’
He muttered, trying to calm his rising anger.
“I will reveal the truth. I will prove before everyone that she is not guilty.”
※※※
On a quiet night after the trial meeting ended and everyone dispersed, Kayla was restless in front of Theodore’s office. Just then, sensing her presence, Theodore appeared, opening the door.
“Come in.”
She nodded slightly and entered the room. The two sat facing each other on the sofa, and a brief silence followed.
“Um, Theo.”
“Yes?”
Kayla fidgeted with her fingers as she continued.
“How are the trial preparations… going? I want to know too.”
Theodore let out a small sigh at her words.
“Do you know a person named Ruben Darka?”
“Ruben Darka?”
Kayla seemed to think for a moment at his question.
“No, I don’t really know. I’ve heard of the Darka family, but…”
“He’s someone who did business with your father. He created a fake letter claiming he saw you at the transaction site.”
“That’s absurd!”
Kayla’s eyes widened in shock.
“I really…!”
“I know. I believe you. But they’ve forged handwriting that looks like yours to create a letter.”
Kayla’s hands began to tremble slightly.
“I’ve sent people now, so we’ll soon capture Ruben Darka. Then we’ll find out who ordered this.”
Kayla lowered her head and looked at her hands. Small and delicate hands that couldn’t do anything.
“Kayla, look up.”
Theodore spoke firmly, as if he had read her mind. But despite his words, Kayla couldn’t easily raise her head. Theodore got up from his seat and moved to sit beside her.
“Kayla, trust me. I’ll prove your innocence.”
“Theo…”
“You’ve done nothing wrong. So stand proudly for the truth. I’ll take responsibility for the rest.”
Kayla slowly raised her head at his words.
“Perhaps… this is happening because someone like me is trying to become the Grand Duchess?”
Tears still pooled in her eyes, but her voice was clear.
“No, they’re jealous of your beauty and wisdom. Without resorting to such dirty tactics, they couldn’t overshadow your radiance.”
At his warm, comforting words, Kayla’s tears slowly ceased.
“… I understand. You’re right, Theo. If I’m not confident in the face of truth, people won’t believe me.”
“That’s the right thinking.”
Theo smiled slightly and gently stroked her hair.
“Thank you for helping me, Theo.”
As Kayla took his hand, Theodore lightly kissed her forehead.
“I’ll always be by your side, so don’t worry.”
※※※
The day before the trial, at the Rosehill residence.
Marchioness Rosehill was anxiously pacing back and forth in her bedroom. Frea went to find her mother and spoke confidently.
“Mother, there’s someone willing to testify.”
The Marchioness stopped walking and asked Frea.
“Testify?”
“Yes, he says he worked under Ruben Darka. He was also present at the transaction site.”
The Marchioness looked at her daughter with surprised eyes. Then she gently embraced Frea.
“Even testimony? My, you prepared all this alone… I’m sorry, darling.”
Frea smiled softly as she hugged her back.
“It’s nothing, Mother. This is about the honor of the Rosehill family, not just me. Moreover, it’s for the peace of the Empire. So please stay strong.”
Deceived by Frea’s masterful acting, the Marchioness thought.
‘As expected, only my daughter is fit to be the Grand Duchess…’
The next morning, the courtroom was busy with preparations. Frea had prepared forged letters and a witness who would commit perjury, while Theodore held clues to reveal the truth. And once again, Kayla faced the fate of having to stand alone before all eyes.
Translator
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bluemoon238
SO GREEDY!!! The father/lord really dropped the ball with his family. For all his loyalty, having such a Wife and Daughter will be the end of them. Tarnish a few lifetimes of legacy why don’t you?