“But why—!?”

The Count of Huntington was shocked.

“—I’m truly sorry…”

“Like I said, why?!”

For the Count of Huntington, the engagement itself was a huge opportunity to sell favor to the three families. Especially to his older brother—the Marquis of Liddell—who always looked down on him. To get in his good books, the count tried to arrange a suitable match for the marquis’ son.

The Marquis of Liddell had his eyes on Mareena, and was keen on her marrying Alfred after she was a bit older. However, since he was too old for her, he had to give up. Thus, Mason became her husband. At first, the Count of Huntington was satisfied with that. However, after being relied on by Mareena, he then decided to mediate the engagement with the Liddell Family.

The count felt as if he was at the top of his game.

“Lady Cameron, merely saying that you disagree with the engagement won’t suffice.”

“But there is a r, reason…”

The count was visibly frustrated at Cameron’s stuttering.

“Cameron, say it clearly.”

Silas said in a low voice.

“I…”

She glanced at Mason, only to find him glaring at her as if she had a death wish.

“Hyii—!”

Frightened, Cameron’s eyes began to swim.

“Cameron, what’s wrong?”

A gentle smile spread across Mareena’s face.

“Lady Mareena—!”

Cameron rushed to clung at Mareena’s feet.

“Please save me!”

“What’s the matter? Did something happen?”

“I, I…”

“I can’t understand if you’re crying. Explain to me what’s wrong.”

“Cameron, don’t.”

Mason’s chilling voice came in turn.

“Do you want me to help you?”

All color was lost from Cameron’s face the moment she saw that smile—

—she knew.

“Cameron…?”

After scrambling away from Mareena, she saw her father and his cold, disdainful gaze, and she finally understood everything.

No one would save her.

Neither Mareena, Mason, nor Silas were on her side—

—she had no one to turn to.

How long has she known—

—no, none of that matters anymore.

“…I’m pregnant with a child.”

“Cameron, you—!!”

As if to drown Cameron’s words, Mason screamed.

“W-what? Mason, what are you…?”

At a loss, the Count Huntington looked between the two.

“Because I’m pregnant, I can’t accept this engagement.”

“W-what did you say!? Countess Westmont! What is happening here!?”

“Count Huntington, please calm down.”

Mareena’s quiet voice mysteriously reached their ears.

“What is the meaning of this!? She’s unmarried, and yet she’s with a child!?”

“I heard that as well. However, one can’t conceive a child on their own.”

“Shouldn’t that be obvious!?”

“Then, the identity of her partner will need to be disclosed.”

“That’s right. Lady Cameron, who is it!?”

Mason, what are you thinking now? Hey, what kind of excuse are you going to make up?

“It’s Lord Mason.”

“…Huh? Mason?”

Count Huntington’s eyes affixed themselves on Mason.

“She’s lying! Lady Cameron’s crazy! I don’t know anything!”

“W, what did you say!? As I thought, you want to turn me into a scapegoat!”

“Don’t say anything outrageous!”

“You’re the liar!”

“How noisy, shut up!”

Livid, Mason stood up and raised his hand, to which Silas grabbed it—

“Ugh…!”

“How can you afford to raise your hand towards someone’s daughter?”

“B, Baron Zion…”

“Not only that, right in front of your own father.”

Upon hearing that, Maron dreadfully looked at Count Huntington. As he glared at Mason, the count trembled, and his face became bright crimson.

“Mason, you…”

“No, Father, this is all a misunderstanding—”

“Countess Westmont, how can this be?”

“I’m afraid that my husband and my beloved maid are having an affair.”

“—Mareena, that’s not true!”

“…Mason, you’re horrible.”

Mareena’s icy gaze bit into him.

At her words, the Count of Huntington stood up vigorously.

“Mason, never appear in front of me again. Countess of Westmont, I’d like to apologize for this. Boil or burn that guy for all I care, we’re no longer parent and child.”

“F, father…”

The Count of Huntington stormed out the room.

---

***T/N: Wow, scumbag…

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