"Indeed, Your Highness. Earlier, I merely had to feign a smile during our outings. But upon entering the academy, matters took a turn for the worse. I comprehend that, as the duke's heir, he was groomed extensively, but he flaunted his knowledge without considering the impression it left. He failed to grasp that, to others, I appeared as a fool who lacked understanding when he sought tutors for economics, trade, and foreign relations. It was only upon encountering Her Highness Princess Seraphina and the charismatic heir of Flakenberg, Serge, that I realized the extent of Luke's bookish nature. Now, Luke presumes to advise me on avoiding public appearances with Serge and attempts to limit our quality time. The breaking point came when he questioned my relationship with Serge. I had to placate him while concealing my true feelings, not realizing the difficulty I faced to secure the duel. What kind of man subjects me to a closed-room trial, letting rumors flourish?" Vivienne blurted, catching her breath before continuing, "Now that Serge has triumphed over Luke, convincing my parents to accept Serge should be straightforward, considering all they desire is a robust heir," hoping the Empress would overlook her slip of inner thoughts. Seraphina's face paled momentarily before she composed herself, eagerly awaiting her mother's response.
Frontier’s Redemption: The Unexpected Rise of a Villain
Fantasy · lxng10
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