In front of the Bayrol mansion
Relia stood before her father, who was shouting at her, her head lowered.
"How many times have I told you to befriend the children of Dukes and Marquises??? At this rate, you won't even find a husband!!"
Here he goes again...
"And not only did you disobey me—you even sat beside that boy!"
He continued, his tone turning colder and sharper.
"This is..."
"Do not spout nonsense... It seems I'll have to raise you all over again."
Relia spoke with tension laced with worry, but before she could finish, her father muttered in an icy voice as he glanced at one of the servants who had already brought the whip...
There wasn't a single soul in Bayrol Mansion, servant or guard, who didn't know of the Count's methods in "educating" his children.
Count Harbor Bayrol grasped the whip and struck Relia until blood ran down her skin. The servants felt pity for the little girl, yet they were helpless; while Relia bit her tongue, desperately trying to suppress her tears and hide her weakness...
---
When the Count finally stopped, Relia went to her room, only to find her one and only loyal maid—Isabel.
Isabel had light brown hair tied into a ponytail that fell over her shoulders, blue sparkling eyes, and freckles across her cheeks.
Isabel rushed to her, worry filling her gaze, and embraced Relia in her arms.
"My lady..." she murmured, her voice carrying both sorrow and frustration.
"Isabel... I'm tired. I want to take a bath."
Relia looked at her maid with weary eyes.
"Of course, my lady. I'll go prepare it right away. Please wait just a few minutes." Isabel said in panic, for she had seen an expression on Relia's face that no child her age should ever wear.
She then ran off to prepare the bath, hoping it might ease even a little of her young mistress's pain.
"Isabel is so kind."
Relia tilted her head slightly to the right with a soft smile, before hearing the slow, familiar footsteps that instantly returned her face to its usual frown.
"Relia."
"Yes, Mother..."
Relia answered her mother, Countess Priscilla Bayrol, a woman of striking beauty with short, wavy silver hair and amber eyes.
"You acted foolishly once again... Your father told me what happened."
"....."
"Despite your academic excellence, your social skills are still below poor." she said bluntly.
Relia looked at her with a blank face, forcing the Countess to sigh deeply before whispering coldly into her daughter's ear:
"A noble lady without social skills... is worthless, no matter how intelligent she is."
Her voice was like a lifeless, icy thunderclap.
Relia shuddered for a moment before replying in a small voice, "I understand."
"Good. Make sure to apply it." the Countess said, releasing her chin.
Suddenly, Isabel appeared.
"My lady!!! The bath is ready!" she shouted, only to freeze under the Countess's sharp gaze. Quickly bowing, she stammered nervously:
"Forgive me, my lady. I didn't notice you were here..."
The Countess sighed and left the room, while Relia went with Isabel to the bath.
---
"My lady... what did you write about today?" Isabel asked gently as she poured water over her mistress.
"I wrote about the problems of orphans," Relia replied with a forced smile.
"Oh... that's such an interesting subject. As expected of my lady—you truly care about everyone ♡."
"Um... you're saying embarrassing things again, Isabel."
"Ohhh~ my lady is blushing, how adorable ♡."
"Isabelll!!" Relia cried, hiding her face in embarrassment, while Isabel finished drying her and began combing her silver hair.
"Um... Isa..."
"What is it, my lady?"
"Do you know anything about Prince Regis?"
"What? If it's Prince Regis... he's the most mysterious member of the imperial family."
"Why him, specifically? Do you know his full story?"
"Of course! Eight years ago, his tale was the most famous in the Empire."
"Huh?"
"Long ago... Emperor Iron Sabnetia married one of the princesses from a conquered kingdom, a woman of stunning beauty named Rosia Calios. But unfortunately... her personality was nothing like her enchanting face." Isabel frowned before continuing, "She was extravagant, wasteful... and bore the Emperor his first crown prince—Prince Regis."
"What?? Prince Regis was once the crown prince?!"
"Yes, he was—until the Empress began plotting treachery with her homeland."
"This..." Relia's eyes widened in shock.
"The Emperor discovered her betrayal, and she was executed before her son's very eyes. At the same time, Regis was stripped of his title—exactly eight years ago."
"But!! That wasn't his fault!" Relia scowled deeply, frustration lacing her voice.
"To execute his mother in front of him when he was only four years old... that's..."
Isabel sighed. "After that, the Emperor married the daughter of a Duke—Merial Scarl. She bore him the second prince and current crown prince, Robert Sabnetia. But... rumors still linger that Regis continues to suffer, living a miserable life."
"How cruel!! To strip him of his title, execute his mother before him, and force him to endure such a wretched life!!" Relia clenched her dress, sorrow clouding her face.
"I'm sorry, my lady... I didn't mean to upset you." Isabel said softly, seeing Relia's expression.
"It's fine, Isabel. After all, I asked you for this information. But... what I find strange is... why have I never heard of this before?"
"Everyone avoided speaking about it—by direct order of the Emperor."
"I see." Relia sighed. That explains it.
"Ohh my lady, I've finished your hair—you look beautiful!" Isabel tried to lighten the mood.
"Thank you, Isabel," Relia said with a gentle smile, though sorrow still lingered inside her.
"Isabel... when is the next imperial tea party?"
"In three weeks, why?"
"When the time comes, prepare a chocolate cake... and sneak it into my bag."
"Huh?" Isabel tilted her head in confusion at the strange request. Relia gave her a quick wink.
---
Inside the Imperial Palace
"So... that's what happened? How bothersome."
The Empress crossed one leg over the other, sipping her green tea.
"Yes, Your Majesty. If we let this continue, worse things might occur!" the maid said angrily.
"Calm down, Mila. I don't believe anything that troublesome will happen. Just keep a close watch on Prince Regis—especially if he approaches that girl again." the Empress said.
"As you command." The maid bowed respectfully.
"Mother!!"
Suddenly, a boy came running in, his green eyes wide and his golden hair gleaming. He wore elegant clothes, though they were stained with dirt.
"Robert!!! What is the meaning of this appearance?!"
The Empress rushed to him, her voice stern.
"I... I was playing in the garden and slipped..." he muttered nervously.
"That is not fitting for a crown prince!! Your mother feels sad when she sees you like this."
"I'm sorry!!"
The Empress sighed. "Hah... very well. But make sure it doesn't happen again."
"I promise! I promise!" the little boy said, raising his pinky.
His mother smiled softly before calling the maid.
"Mila! Take Robert and give him a bath!"
"At once, Your Majesty." The maid bowed, leading the boy away.
"I won't let anyone take your place," the Empress whispered, narrowing her eyes as she watched her son's small figure disappear.