Perhaps because His Highness Weiss’ reply was too unexpected, Aries let out a strange sound and froze.

“Be thankful to Sofia that I haven’t killed you myself.”

“W, what did you say—!? Just what did I do to you to deserve that—!?”

…How thick-faced.

To her, what were these terrifying plans to attack me, then? A joke?

“Aren’t they your friends?”

After pointing at the rogues with his chin, His Highness Weiss mocked Aries.

“For you to invite them in late at night like this, you must be very close.”

“N, no, I don’t know, these people…”

“Stop lying, Miss. You let us into the mansion.”

The thugs, who were resigned to their fate, were more light hearted than before. Or perhaps misery just wanted company. Of course, Aries didn’t stay silent.

“—How preposterous! I’m of noble blood, one who’s worthy enough to become His Highness Wagner’s fiancée! To address me so casually, as if I were lowborn, who do you think you are!? I don’t know them. It’s the truth! Your Highness Weiss, please believe me!”

Aries tearfully pleaded.

She must had concluded the reason why His Highness Weiss was cold to her was because he misunderstood that she was in cahoots with the thugs.

“I, I’ve been set up—! I’m sure someone has—no, no way… Sister, was it you!?”

Aries incredulously stared at me.

“How horrible, Sister! Do you resent me that much!?”

Aries covered her face with both hands and started crying. The place had turned into a stage solely for Aries.

…Aries, you should confirm His Highness Weiss’ expression before you start acting.

…After all, he looks so terrifying, you wouldn’t even be able to gaze at him, much else cry.

“Aries, let me tell you something. You probably thought that if you harmed me, you’d be able to become the duchess. Could it be that the count and his wife said something similar to you? I’m sorry to say this, but you’re blind.”

—Especially considering you chose Prince Wagner as your future spouse.

“Their goal is to assume control of the duke’s family. They plan to corner me mentally and manipulate me at will. Moreover, I’m sure that these men were told to assassinate you today.”

When I turned my gaze to the thugs, they nodded.

“—You’re lying!”

“I’m not. They said that you’re a prostitute.”

“Wha—!?”

“—That you’re a dog, one who does exactly what the countess says. She said that despite being a filthy orphan, you’re a good pawn.”

“They also said that you’re as ignorant as a commoner.”

“I doubt that they even considered welcoming you into the duke family. Yet, you guided us into this house without knowing a thing. What a shit show.”

“We all had a good laugh over how much of a fool you are. We intended to save you for last. After all, it’d be fun convincing you your plan was a success, before plunging you into despair.”

“—Lies! Those are lies!”

Provoked by the rogues, Aries finally slipped-up.

“The count and his wife told me that they’d adopt me once I got rid of Sofia! They even promised to make me the duchess in the near future! Hence, I thought that I had to be patient!”

In a way, Aries was quite pure.

After all, she believed what people said.

“Aries, considering that the count and his wife have a son named Judy, why would they adopt you? If they intend to take over the duke’s house, won’t they just adopt a son rather than someone unrelated like you? You’re being used.”

“…That’s.”

Aries blanched as her body trembled. The fact that she had almost being killed must have dawned on her. Said fear wouldn’t exonerate her from her crime, though. As a noble lady, Aries was done for.

“How foolish of you, Aries. At the instigation of such people, you lost your status as a noble lady.”

“…Lost?”

Like a broken doll, Aries turned to me.

“—And here I thought that you couldn’t sink any lower, yet you brought a shovel. Not only are you a fallen aristocrat, you’re also covered in debt. Now, look at you. You no longer bring any benefits.”

Well, those didn’t exist in the first place.

“S, sister, help me, you can help me, right? I’m your precious little sister, right?”

Having come this far, why do you think that I can help you?

Also, who’s my ‘precious little sister’?

“…When I asked for help, you mocked me.”

I asked for help, over and over again.

I spent the entire time in torment. It was painful. It hurt. There were even times when I wanted to die. Yet, she always mocked me with a look of superiority on her face.

—you took everything from me.

Be it the duke, His Highness Wagner, and even my future.

Oh, but there was one thing I didn’t need—His Highness Wagner. I didn’t need that one. Even if that were to be returned to me, I’d throw it into the trash. After all, it was non-reusable garbage.

So, I’ll leave that trash to you.

“As long as the bail is paid, the sentence can be reduced.”

“Then—!”

Aries looked at me with hope.

As if I’d pay it for you.

I wasn’t as good-natured as to pay for the freedom of a woman who might kill me someday. Meanwhile, Aries was the kind of person who’d repay kindness with enmity. Furthermore, it was just impossible.

“Well, then. Do your best to ask His Highness Wagner to pay your bail.”

Aries’ expression changed from hope to despair.

The misfortune of people was as sweet as honey.

Now, I can understand you a little more, Aries.

…Because the sight of you being driven into the depths of despair gives me a sense of superiority.

I was truly happy.

---

***T/N: NO, NOT ENOUGH SUFFERING YET.

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