“…My sister? Directly?”

Katie, Countess of Elms, was fulfilling her role as Juliet’s conversation partner. Upon learning that her prodigal son, Malcolm, was infatuated with her, Katie spun a heartwarming tale to promote him. After all, not only was it a chance for her son’s love to come true, but also an opportunity to build a connection with the royal family.

Normally, an earl’s family couldn’t aspire to marry into the royal family due to their lower status. However, Katie originally hailed from a marquis’ family.

Frederick doted on his daughter. Hence, if Juliet reciprocated Malcolm’s feelings, such a marriage would surely be approved.

Now, all it would take was to ensure that Juliet fell in love with Malcolm. Malcolm saved her life, and he was good-looking. In fact, it was his looks that led to his many affairs. All maidens Juliet’s age dream of romantic love. Surely, she’d also be attracted to him? Or so Katie thought.

For that reason, she exaggerated things a bit. In her defense, it was for the sake of Malcolm and the earl’s family.

However, Juliet didn’t take the bait as well as Katie had hoped. Not to mention, she was more curious about how her own older sister was doing, to which Katie replied, “Maybe she’s interrogating the bandits.” Katie did hear about something like that before.

“Indeed. That is why Her Highness the Crown Princess is here…”

“It can’t be… that’s no good. Those people… they’re terrifying. They’ll definitely say terrible things to my sister!”

Juliet suddenly stood up.

“Your Highness Juliet?”

“I must stop the interrogation! My sister will only get hurt!”

“What?!”

Katie was shocked. Wasn’t Juliet supposed to be a soft-spoke girl?

However, it turned out that once Juliet made up her mind, nobody could stop her. Not to mention, her movements were surprisingly agile. Before Katie could stop her, she had stormed out of the room.

“Your Highness! Please wait!”

Katie rushed into the hallway and called out to Juliet from behind. The last thing she wanted was for Juliet to leave the room!

Just as Katie was about to call out, “Your Highness!” again, Juliet bumped into a figure that emerged from the corner.

“Aah!”

“Whoops.”

When Juliet was about to stumble, the young man reflexively reached out to support her.

“My apologies, Your Highness. Are you hurt?”

Both the sight and the voice sickened Katie.

As soon as Katie recognized the young man, her face contorted.

“I-I’m okay…”

The moment Juliet looked up at the young man’s face, she abruptly froze. Her cheeks were flushed. She was so mesmerized by him that she couldn’t look elsewhere.

The sight sent a shock through Katie, as if she had been hit on the head with a blunt object.

With a foreboding feeling, Katie’s eyes widened.

As Juliet gazed intently at him, the young man asked in a confused tone.

“Uhm, are you sure you are okay?”

“Yes! Well, I wasn’t paying attention, either… I’m sorry for bumping into you.”

“I’m glad you’re not hurt.”

Smiling, the young man—George—took Juliet’s hand, drew his lips to the back of it, and pretended to kiss it. It was how a gentleman would greet a woman in this country.

“Sorry for the late introduction. It’s an honor to meet you. I’m George Elms, the eldest son of this family.”

“I… uh, I’m, Juliet Callista Reevesmore.”

Juliet introduced herself, looking embarrassed.

“I’m very sorry for the danger Your Highness experienced in my territory.”

“D-don’t apologize! It was the people who attacked me who are at fault…!”

Juliet shook her head and hands as George bowed deeply in gratitude.

“Thank you for your kind words. I shall dedicate my heart and soul to the investigation. Hopefully, with the help of Her Highness the Crown Princess, we can resolve this matter as soon as possible. Rest assured. We’ll also repair your carriage right away, and will let you know when it’s completed.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“By the way, you seem to have been in a hurry. Where were you headed for? I think it’d be best if you rest for a while.”

“Well, I heard that my sister is investigating those who attacked me… They must’ve said some awful things to her! Won’t my sister be hurt? Hence why, maybe we should ask someone else…”

After hearing Juliet’s explanation, George nodded, “I see.”

He continued. “The crown princess is working hard to resolve this because Her Highness the Second Princess was in danger. It is for the sake of Her Highness the Second Princess that she’s directly investigating the bandits. Why don’t you trust her and leave it to her?”

George spoke with a gentle smile, as if to admonish her, and Juliet thought for a moment before nodding her head.

“Now, please return to your room.”

“Okay…”

George urged Juliet, and she took his outstretched hand. George led her to the front of the room.

“Stepmother, please continue to look after Her Highness the Second Princess.”

George left Juliet in the care of Katie who could only watch in silence.

As Juliet was around, Katie had to suppress the urge to yell at George. Knowing this, George laughed softly and turned on his heels.

Katie immediately took Juliet back to her room.

Juliet sat on the sofa, fidgety.

“Your Highness, aren’t you a little hungry? I’ll prepare something for you.”

“Yes…”

Katie suggested this to distract her from the unpleasant young man, but Juliet eventually asked her.

“…Uhm. Does Sir George have a girlfriend or a fiancée…?”

As she spoke, Juliet’s cheeks were tinted pink. She looked embarrassed.

It was the expression of a maiden in love—that much was obvious.

Katie gripped her fan so hard that it snapped.

---

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***T/N: TBH not a fan of the exposition dump and show don’t tell in this case. They could’ve used a different approach… Detective/ investigation stories always seem to struggle when it comes to this.

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