When You Turned Your Back On Me, We Became Strangers [EN]: Chapter 49

Turning Away, You’re Just Another Person (48)

Things moved quickly. As rumors spread that Reilly had sided with the Imperial Family, the nobles began to waver.

“What is going on! Didn’t you say he wouldn’t side with the Imperial Family?”

Along with a somewhat harsh voice, there was a dull thud as a desk was struck. Judging by his rising and falling shoulders, he seemed unable to control his emotions.

“It’s too early to jump to conclusions. Reilly hates the Imperial Family more than anyone.”

Duke Veriter scoffed at the nobles’ words.

‘I don’t know what he’s thinking, but he won’t stay with the Imperial Family forever.’

All he had to do was wait for that moment. There was no need to rush.

“We just need to prevent the contract from happening in the first place.”

If the contract were to happen, Reilly might really lose himself. He knew that the stronger the resistance, the more severe the backlash would be.

“Listen, Duke! How can we prevent the contract when there’s a sword and contractor together in the Imperial Family?”

The nobles expressed their frustration. What was he so confident about?

“I heard there will be a banquet soon. Can’t we just take her then?”

Duke Veriter clicked his tongue and sipped his tea. There was no need to be impatient. No matter how much ability she had, it would be difficult to use her power fully without a contract.

“When did you hear the contract will take place?”

“I’ve been using people, but not yet……”

“It’s fine. The banquet will be held first anyway, so it doesn’t matter.”

‘They never bring me anything useful.’ Duke Veriter’s face crumpled at the incompetence of these people.

Did they even know what they were doing right now?

If they did, they would be running away. This was nothing short of treason.

“In any case, if we manage to retrieve the Princess, don’t forget our contribution.”

“The Crown Prince has been quiet. Has there been any unusual activity?”

“That aide of his seems to have been busy lately.”

“……Haban, was it?”

“Where else would he go if not to assist the Crown Prince?”

Duke Veriter felt a strange sensation. He was always stuck to the Crown Prince like glue, so did something more important than the Crown Prince come up?

“We need to keep a close eye on him.”

“I’ve assigned someone, so we’ll know soon.”

“Good. Then, let’s meet at the banquet.”

The nobles nodded at Duke Veriter’s words.

* * *

The palace was somewhat noisy.

“Why is it so noisy……?”

“Sister!”

The door burst open, and Leta, adorned in a splendid outfit, rushed in. At the same time, maids lined up behind her.

Reilly looked at them with a bewildered expression at the sudden visit.

“Leta? What’s with that outfit……?”

Was she perhaps attending the banquet? Would that be alright?

It was nice to be able to go together, but she didn’t want her father to know about Leta’s survival.

‘Still, it’s good to see her so cheerful.’

She was worried about her father. He would surely hear about the banquet and attend. Above all, this banquet was bait, set up in the hopes that they would come.

She didn’t know what he would think if he saw Leta, considering he was causing trouble to bring her.

“Don’t tell me……. Are you taking my place?”

Reilly asked Leta, hoping that wasn’t the case.

“I just wanted to help, even if it’s just a little.”

“It’s too dangerous!”

She couldn’t allow it. She had Ren, but Leta didn’t. It wasn’t too late to reveal Leta’s existence after things had settled down a bit.

“It’s not like everyone doesn’t know about me.”

“They don’t. Theo and Anna couldn’t say anything about you either.”

“We can’t keep hiding like this forever.”

“But!”

Leta approached Reilly and hugged her. She knew what Reilly was worried about. But she had to step forward to resolve the situation easily.

“Nothing you’re worried about will happen.”

The Crown Prince wouldn’t let anything happen to her, and neither would her sister.

Leta believed that Reilly would protect her more than anyone else.

“There’s no time for this. Come on, please get ready quickly.”

Reilly reluctantly entrusted herself to the maids’ hands at Leta’s urging. It was only natural that she felt awkward with the unfamiliar grooming.

‘I’ve had it done briefly before, but it’s still awkward.’

Her hair was styled up like Leta’s, and a butterfly-shaped pin was inserted. The blue-tinged ends would be braided up inside to hide them.

A silver-shining jewel that suited her well was placed around her neck. The dress wasn’t excessive, but the embroidered, voluminous skirt that could draw attention eliminated any plainness.

She was briefly unfamiliar with her appearance in this attire for the first time, but then a knock was heard.

“Hmph, he couldn’t resist coming.”

“Who are you talking about?”

“Who else could it be?”

Leta stared at the door and raised the corners of her lips.

‘How can only my sister not know when it’s so obvious?’

In some ways, she respected her sister. Or maybe she knew but was pretending not to.

“Or maybe, he got rejected again.”

It seemed more likely that was the case.

Leta felt a little sorry for Kaver. When Reilly tilted her head towards Leta, she hurriedly waved her hand and stood her up.

“It’s nothing. It looks like it’s almost time, let’s go.”

“Are you really okay?”

“I’m fine. We can’t keep avoiding it forever.”

It wasn’t very pleasant to face her father. When he sold her off to be married, there was nothing but relief on his face.

And now she could finally see him crumble.

“Sister, no matter what happens, you must not step forward.”

“……Leta?”

“Okay? Promise me.”

Reilly nodded at Leta’s words. She held her hand for a moment before Leta opened the door and led Reilly outside.

“Ah……. I guess I came too early.”

“No, you came just in time.”

But why couldn’t she see Ren? Reilly looked around, searching for Ren. He would usually be by her side, chattering and complaining, but he had been gone since morning.

“Ren is away on business for a while.”

“I see…….”

“Shall we go now then?”

Kaver suppressed his trembling heart and reached out his hand to Reilly. It wasn’t the first time he had escorted someone, but everything he did with her felt clumsy and nerve-wracking.

Reilly gently placed her hand on his. She felt a tremor in their clasped hands, and she couldn’t help but feel nervous.

* * *

“Thank you to all the distinguished guests who have come to the banquet. We have an important announcement to make today, which is why we have called you all here.”

The host stopped the music and continued speaking. He slowly looked at the attendees, taking them all in.

‘All the people who need to be here are here.’

Fortunately, Duke Veriter and his group had attended, seemingly unaware of anything amiss. He nodded to the Crown Prince, and Reilly and the Crown Prince entered the banquet hall.

Everyone’s attention was focused on her.

“Is it really her? His Highness the Crown Prince is escorting her?”

“Didn’t you hear? They were even supposed to have a political marriage when they were young.”

“Even so, Princess Reilly Sharlot is someone who recently…….”

Those who saw Reilly’s appearance whispered in surprise. She, who had fled as if running away from marriage, was dressed impeccably and appeared with the Crown Prince.

The rumors they had heard were true.

“She’s a contractor, right?”

“Didn’t they say there was no one in the Trailla family this time?”

If that were true, she should have already entered the Imperial Family when she came of age.

The questions were not easily answered. In the end, they quietly waited for the Crown Prince to speak. There must be a reason for appearing at the banquet together.

“Princess Reilly Sharlot here will, from today, protect the Imperial Family as a sword contractor.”

The Emperor reached out and pointed to Reilly. Everyone was startled and looked at Reilly.

“However, as the Crown Prince can handle mana himself, I announce that the Princess will contract with the sword but will not be affiliated with the Imperial Family.”

Duke Veriter’s mouth stretched from ear to ear at the Emperor’s words. Those words meant that he would continue to support the Trailla family.

Reilly stepped forward in front of the Emperor. Kaver drew his sword and handed it to Reilly. She calmly accepted the sword and stood before the people.

“Reilly Sharlot swears to serve His Highness the Crown Prince under the Emperor’s command.”

But something was strange.

A blue light flickered from the sword Reilly held, and then Ren appeared. Everyone stared in awe at the bizarre phenomenon.

Seeing the true form of the sword was not a common sight.

‘Why? Why didn’t she say the family name?’

Duke Veriter trembled at Reilly’s oath. She was referring to herself separately, not as a member of the Trailla family.

An unbearable rage surged as she seemed to be drawing a line with the Trailla family.

‘I need to take you and forcibly contract you, even if I have to brainwash you.’

Reilly turned towards Duke Veriter, who was staring at her. She couldn’t help but laugh at the murderous gaze that seemed ready to strangle her at any moment.

Because the killing intent was so weak that it couldn’t even leave a scratch on her, she didn’t even feel ticklish.

She moved her lips towards her father.

“Look forward to it.”

Because this will be your grave.

Reilly’s eyes began to shine fiercely.