Who?

"Sit down."

Selah glanced at her father before finally sitting across from him.

It was a sunny day, and the spring breeze started feeling warm. At times like this, as a pretext, Duke Dulcia would invite his daughter to have tea in the garden of the family residence. They sat together in a chilled atmosphere, discussing work and planning household chores. Absolutely not be called bonding time.

"How are your injuries?" Duke Dulcia asked as the maid poured tea for them.

"Thanks to your kindness, my wounds have improved and are almost healed," said Selah.

Duke Dulcia looked waiting. Usually, Selah would be grateful for the wound and treatment given, but this time she chose silence. This time she will show her rebellion.

"I have heard what you did with Prince Aeneas," said Duke Dulcia sharply. He ordered the maids to leave. "Explain it."

"Everything is the same as Father heard from the gossip and Jeremiah. I can't just refuse an invitation from the Royal Palace family," explained Selah as calmly as possible.

"I should have been suspicious since Prince Aeneas gave you the bouquet back then," grumbled Duke Dulcia. "Have you both been in touch or met before?"

"We only ever shook hands at parties that Prince Aeneas happened to attend."

Duke Dulcia pounded the table. "Then explain why Prince Aeneas showed interest in you," he hissed angrily. "You always go to parties with Crown Prince Blair and are more busy taking care of the residence. You're not that attractive, either. It can't be if you seduce Prince Aeneas first."

No matter how many times Duke Dulcia had called his daughter an unattractive woman. He had always emphasized that Selah was lucky to get a crown prince as her fiancé because of her looks. Duke Dulcia also didn't hesitate to compare Selah to the daughters of other families. Referring to Duke Dulcia's words just now, he would say, "You are not beautiful enough to be a couple of the famously handsome Prince Aeneas."

Being called that for years, Selah tried to be patient. She wasn't pretty, but that didn't mean Selah asked to be born with a face like this. After all, Selah isn't ugly: her face is as normal as a human's.

Selah looked at her father coldly. "Why can't I do it? Father clearly knows that I have other charms."

"Selah!" Duke Dulcia snapped. "The prison sentence you get is still not enough, huh?! I didn't raise you to be a temptress!"

"Don't equate me with a pretentious beauty who managed to seduce Father."

In the blink of an eye, Duke Dulcia threw his cup at Selah. Luckily Selah's reflexes were quick, so she managed to dodge it. The cup itself hit a pilar and shattered. The slight commotion made the family knights and maids snap into place, ready to fend off in case their master threw a tantrum at his daughter again.

Duke Dulcia himself looked angry. Earlier, Selah did not apologize, and now Selah dared to avoid him. Usually, Selah is an obedient daughter.

"You… dare to fight me?" growled Duke Dulcia. "You think your position will be safe from me just because you managed to seduce two princes?"

"With all due respect, Father. I am still the daughter of Duke Dulcia. I will continue carrying the family name even if I enter another family." Selah smiled, amused at her father. "Isn't that the answer you want to hear from me?"

"Hah!" Duke Dulcia gave Selah a disgusted look. "You really do look like that woman. So brave even though you have nothing. Do you think the status you have now means something? Remember that I am your father; I can throw you away whenever I want."

Selah smiled crookedly. "Then you're going to give up the Tullia Mine?" she said sarcastically. "And make your illegitimate child a legitimate child?"

"It seems you overestimate yourself. I can make her a queen if I want."

Relax, said a corner of Selah's mind quickly. Neutralize your expression, and be relaxed. Don't be surprised.

That is new information.

This was the first time Duke Dulcia admitted to having an illegitimate child. From his words just now, Selah learned two new things. First, the illegitimate child is a girl. Second, she is royalty.

The question now is: who?

Selah's heart was pounding. This was different from what she had planned with Aeneas. If Duke Dulcia tried to marry off her illegitimate daughter to Blair after King Tristan died, overthrowing Blair would be a huge undertaking.

No. Blair may only marry someone once Selah and Aeneas are married and have children.

"Just try it then," Selah challenged. "I heard that Crown Prince Blair doesn't like stupid women."

"You will regret ever saying this," Duke Dulcia retorted fiercely. "Don't think you can get everything just because of your current status."

Their conversation is interrupted by Jeremiah's later appearance. He glanced at the broken teacup on the floor before informing him, "Prince Aeneas has come to visit. He wants to meet you, Your Grace."

Selah and Duke Dulcia exchanged cold looks. Selahan restrained herself from leaving before her father told him or said something.

"Take me to Prince Aeneas now, Jeremiah," said Duke Dulcia. He stood up and left Selah.

Selah immediately breathed a long sigh of relief as soon as her father left.

Nice timing, thought Selah. She cupped her trembling hands together, trying to calm herself down.

As brave as Selah was, she had never gone against her father before. In her eyes, Duke Dulcia was the most terrifying and powerful person ever. His words are absolute, and his punishment is inevitable. Selah, who had learned all her lessons from Duke Dulcia, had never been sure if she could stand up to her father.

But it turns out that Selah could do it without even becoming queen.

"I can definitely get out of here," Selah said to herself.

Long silent alone in the garden, suddenly Janette approached her. She looks in a hurry.

"My Lady, Prince Aeneas would like to ask you out," said Janette.

Just as Selah had resisted her father, now Aeneas had succeeded in persuading his father.

What did Aeneas say to Duke Dulcia to make him dare to ask Selah out?

***

Meanwhile, on the other hand, Aeneas and Duke Dulcia sat facing each other in the living room in a tense atmosphere. Even though they just stared at each other, they knew this was a sign of war.

"Selah Dulcia is greeting Prince Aeneas Seneca," Selah greeted, breaking eye contact between the two men.

Aeneas smiled broadly at Selah and asked for her hand. "Thank you for letting me take your precious daughter out, Your Grace. I promise to bring her home safely."

"Of course, Your Highness." Duke Dulcia smiled serenely. "Please have a nice trip."