My elder sister is the villainess!? Don't be ridiculous! I will never forgive you for demeaning my sister!!" - Chapter 2 - Revenge 2

This is the opinion of the nobles.

From the very beginning, the Crown Prince was aware of Princess Lucia’s pregnancy, and his engagement with the Duke’s daughter posed a hindrance. However, this engagement was originally desired by the royal family. If it were to be unilaterally terminated, it would naturally harm the reputation of the royal family and put them in a disadvantageous position. Thus, there may have been an option to frame the Duke’s daughter with false accusations and subsequently gain control over the Duke’s family.

Moreover, it has come to light that Princess Lucia’s infidelity involved not only the Crown Prince’s personal guard but also a wide range of individuals, including close aides to the Crown Prince, sons of high-ranking nobles, renowned artists, and even influential figures within the temple. This information was obtained through a secret investigation within the palace and appeared to be undoubtedly true. Additionally, several of these individuals are currently unaccounted for.

At the present moment, it has become evident that the charges against the Duke’s daughter were fabricated.

In fact, there is even a conspiracy theory emerging that suggests collaboration between the royal family and the temple to frame the Duke’s daughter, all with the aim of weakening the troublesome Duke.

Indeed, the temple has received substantial funds from the royal family under the guise of “donations,” thanks to the appointment of a commoner as the queen.

Furthermore, the issue of unaccounted-for expenses during the school days of the Crown Prince and his peers arises. According to protocol, the funds intended for the Crown Prince’s expenses should have been utilized as gifts for his then-fiancée, who was the Duke’s daughter. However, these funds were redirected as contributions to the commoner girl who is now known as the saint.

Similar actions were taken by other close associates and noble offspring.

“They were blinded by love,” and it seems the Duke’s family greatly underestimated them.

The revelation of their unaccounted expenses came to light when invoices from various royal-approved shops were sent to their residences, each meticulously detailing who sent them, when, and for what purpose.

For some inexplicable reason, they attempted to pass the bills onto the Duke’s family.

It was utterly perplexing.

Naturally, they were reported to their respective families.

The parents came rushing to the Duke’s family, bowing and apologizing profusely.

They claimed responsibility for their children’s misdeeds, but such excuses were irrelevant. Their children had indeed committed misdeeds, and their ignorance was inexcusable. I never imagined the Duke’s family would be underestimated to such an extent.

“Please forgive us!”

“It was just youthful indiscretion! Our sons were deceived by that wicked woman!”

“Our family is also a victim!”

There was no possibility of forgiveness.

Do they not understand that their actions were tantamount to killing the Duke’s daughter?

It was inconceivable that I would forgive those who had a hand in that.

“In the future, we shall sever all ties with you.”

“W-What!?”

“We will repay the money!”

“If we cannot pass through the Duke’s territory, it will disrupt trade!”

As if I care!

If you want to blame someone, blame your own sons!

Subsequently, the parents paid the requested amounts and disowned their sons.

Of course, they were provided with new jobs, secured through their parents. They now work as low-ranking staff within the palace. They should be grateful for the opportunity to work so close to the monarch.

Their parents should also be relieved, having resolved matters with large sums of money. In truth, their families should have been subject to execution, but this time, I showed leniency. I hope they appreciate it.

Parents who would quickly discard their own sons if it meant protecting themselves.

It played out just as expected, almost too predictably.

Their ability to behave as though their sons, who had been mistreated and exploited for years, never existed in the first place was, in a way, admirable.

Well, that doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven them. There’s no way I’d allow them an easy way out like execution. What were they thinking?

Three years later, many nobles experienced a downfall and scattered. It became common knowledge that those at the center of this were the former Crown Prince’s close associates’ families in this country.