"This is a strategy only I can use in the current Redfield family."
"I've done well so far, haven't I? You know I've always been a model student—what exactly have I done wrong now?"
The key is confidence.
Mother's voice softened slightly as she pressed further.
"R-resolved? What exactly do you mean?"
"I've confirmed the destruction of the marriage registration and other administrative documents, received the annulment notice for the marriage contract, and even verified that His Highness Percival unilaterally inflated the dowry."
"…What? Is that true?"
"Her Majesty the Queen expressed displeasure, stating that the amount demanded from the bride's family far exceeded royal standards. I've been assured that such a thing won't happen when I marry."
"Ah, thank goodness! You've done well!"
Money may not be a cure-all for family problems, but it's close. Smiles finally returned to their faces.
"His Highness Percival really made nothing but bad choices until the very end. Ah, what a relief it all came to light before the wedding. Now, Natalie—"
But they shouldn't be celebrating yet.
As I said before—the dowry isn't your money.
Natalie spoke coldly.
"You're not seriously expecting me to return the dowry, are you? How many times must I explain? You're not getting it back."
The smiles slowly faded from their faces.
"Wh-what are you saying? Of course it's ours! We prepared that money!"
"It was also blind money, handed over without resistance to people who didn't even grasp the sum. You didn't hesitate to give it to the royal family, but now you regret giving it to me?"
"Natalie! You know how much we struggled to gather that money! We did it for you—so you wouldn't be looked down upon in the royal family!"
"Ah, resorting to emotional appeals now? That means I'm making my point well. But I've already told you what I need 'for my sake'—back at the derby."
"…You mean choosing a path other than marriage?"
"Yes."
"Natalie!"
"Oh, and the money? It's already being spent. I invested it in a business."
A second bombshell dropped.
This time, their disbelief was palpable. Their faces turned deathly pale.
Now that my humble logical battle was over, I could comfortably munch on cookies in peace.
Natalie smiled.
"Father, Mother. Accept reality. Legally, you have no way to take my money from me. But I can be generous—I might contribute some to the household expenses."
"…"
"So before the precious money you raised me with is completely gone—Father, will you finally teach me how to run a business properly?"
"Ah— Aaaah!"
Father let out a frustrated scream, but his resistance ended there.
Having watched Natalie all their lives, they knew this was her being polite.
Epilogue
Ariel relocated to a renowned resort with a sizable sum for damages and silence. Hopefully, she'll recover her health and find a new future there.
The scandal surrounding Percival's fraudulent marriage and abduction continued to shake the capital long after the wedding before finally dying down.
Of course, this didn't mean peace for Percival himself.
Tabloid journalists, hungry for gossip, began stalking him like dopamine vending machines.
Every time he attended a banquet, salon, or even the opera, another absurd headline appeared.
Naturally, the royal family took action against the false reports, but this only led to tabloids branding them "The Very Articles Censored by the Royal Family!"
Thus, the royal family resorted to extreme measures.
"Goodness. His Highness Percival has gone to a monastery?"
In the palace tea room, the Crown Princess nodded across from me.
"One located on an island in the eastern region. The ferry runs only once a week—he'll certainly be free from journalists there."
"Then His Highness may finally find peace. The monastery's wine must be excellent too."
"Agreed. They say winter will be harsh this year, but winter vegetables taste best in the cold. I'm sure he'll return in spring with a refreshed spirit."
We shared a knowing smile over our tea.
However, this leisurely moment wouldn't last long.
"The Harvest Festival likely helped the wedding scandal die down quickly. This year, florists are already decorating the streets to set the festive mood."
"Oh, just hearing about it makes me excited!"
But my excitement was short-lived.
My brain kicked into gear.
"Things will get busy. Is there anything I can assist with?"
"Well… I appreciate the offer, but you always jump straight to work. Like someone with a chronic sense of duty."
"…"
A sad habit from my librarian days—whenever local events happened, I'd plan library tie-ins.
But I shouldn't have to worry about that now, right?
I'm just a lady, not yet a princess. Official duties shouldn't concern me.
Just as I relaxed, the Crown Princess continued.
"It's nothing major, but there is one thing I'd like to ask of you."
…So much for a break.
"Originally, this task was meant for 'Princess-to-be' Natalie, but since the marriage fell through, you'll have to take it."
"Is it festival-related? What is it?"
"Hardly a task."
She grinned.
"On the evening of the festival, you'll dance in the square—one song, in front of the citizens."
To an introvert like me, this was like being told to "hike Mount Halla in slippers."
My brain belatedly processed the mission in era-appropriate terms.
"Ah… You mean with His Highness Tristan?"
"Of course. What better symbol for the harvest season than a couple celebrating the fruits of love?"
"Fr-fruits of love?! We're still—"
"Still engaged, yes. But you're marrying early next year, aren't you?"
"…Yes."
"It's not like someone will barge into the wedding again. No need to worry."
Right. We were the ones who crashed Percival's wedding, after all.
What unsettled me, though, was the phrase "fruits of love."
I knew the Crown Princess meant it lightly. Neither she nor the spectators truly expected romance between Tristan and me.
But still…
'What exactly is between us?'
If this had been purely a political marriage from the start, I wouldn't be overthinking it.
Back when I'd ignore Tristan's scowls, indifference, or his fixation on Maria—content to just eat sweets.
But now…
"Dorys, I enjoyed this break. But surely you didn't come to the palace just for tea?"
"Ah, yes! Well, catching up on news too…"
"Hmm… Sadly, I don't have the news you've been waiting for. I haven't found a suitable location yet."
She meant the Sacred Salon.
"Would a regular membership-based venue not work?"
"The issue is me—a public figure—trying to discreetly acquire property without drawing attention."
"Ah… Quite the hassle."
"The festival preparations keep me busy too. Anyway, if you have another… ahem 'request,' do visit. I've one last coin to spare."
After parting ways, I wandered the palace's bustling first floor, now livelier with the approaching festival.
Earlier, the Crown Princess had asked:
"Did you come just for tea?"
Technically, yes.
But what I'd truly hoped for was perhaps…
"Ah!"
On my third lap around the east wing, I coincidentally—truly!—spotted a familiar face.
I instinctively touched the emerald necklace at my chest, then quickened my pace.
"Your Highness Tristan!"
The servant beside him heard me first.
But even as the servant turned, Tristan didn't slow his steps.
This guy—!
***