Sympathy

After that party, the Baron called for Noelle, solely to scold her because she embarrassed Odette in front of the prince, who seemed annoyed that his potential betrothed was not a good girl.

"Father, Odette wore high heels even though Mother told her they were too much for her."

"I understand, but you must pay better attention to what she does, don't let her overshadow you, as she needs to behave properly or she will bring shame upon the family."

"Alright, father, I will be more attentive."

"The prince will be arriving soon, remember to behave well and keep an eye on Odette's actions."

"But father... alright."

Noelle doesn't understand why she has to take care of this whiny brat, but at least she will let her cling to the prince. After all, her goal is to survive and she will do so in Darklands, not by marrying a tasteless prince. She left her father's office to go to her usual training. As she passed by the garden, Odette was having tea with two of her friends. Noelle walked by without even looking at her.

"Oh! Sister, we're having tea. Would you like to join us?"

"No, that's only for spoiled girls."

The other two girls took offense, while Odette just looked sad. The other girls consoled her. What a nuisance they all are. The day of the prince's visit arrived. Noelle welcomed him in the garden, and Odette was present, dressed in her best clothes. It was obvious she was trying to get the attention of the young prince. Noelle wore something more casual and comfortable due to the heat. During the visit, Odette wouldn't stop talking about trivial matters with the prince. However, she soon started feeling suffocated by the layered clothing. Her maid noticed and suggested she retire to change.

"Miss Odette, are you alright? You seem distressed."

"Isn't it obvious? She wore clothes that are unsuitable for this weather, just to impress."

"Miss Noelle, your sister might be sick."

"Well then, let her maid tend to her. That's what she's there for. I'm not her nurse."

Odette immediately looked down, while the prince seemed annoyed by Noelle's indifference toward Odette.

"Miss Noelle, you shouldn't treat your sister like that."

"Am I wrong to send her to rest? You just said she looks sick. It's not my fault she wore that dress in the middle of summer."

Apparently, she's considered mean just for telling the truth or rather, just because Odette is a sweet girl.

"But the way you speak to her is not appropriate."

"Oh! It seems that His Highness likes Odette. Shouldn't you ask for her hand, then?"

"What? How can you say that?"

"Sister, don't say that. It's as if you're implying that I am..."

"A what? Don't worry, I won't speak ill of both of you. On the contrary, it will make me happy to know you're happy together."

Both remain silent while Noelle calmly drinks her tea. Francis, on the other hand, appears somewhat uneasy with Noelle's words, as he didn't expect her to reject him like this.

"Miss Noelle, it's better not to say those things; they could lead to misunderstandings later on."

"In that case, it won't be my fault, it will be yours for defending Odette when I've never done anything wrong to her."

"Your Highness, my sister is right. Maybe we're just misinterpreting her, and she only wants to help me."

Odette wipes away her tears, but Francis only seems annoyed.

"She's being rude. It's normal for me to defend other people."

"Then I won't always obey what you say just because you're the prince. No man will command me."

Noelle forcefully hits the teacup on the table, causing the small plate used to hold it to break. Noelle stands up after delicately wiping her lips.

"I'll take my leave since my presence seems to bother Your Highness. It's sad that you only want to be alone with my sister."

Noelle

wipes the tears from her eyes and runs off. Francis and Odette are surprised by what was said, but Noelle did it because her mother was nearby. The Baroness appears upset; her daughter has just been rejected by the prince and, on top of that, he prefers to be in the company of Odette. Approaching with annoyance, she gazes at the girl.

"Odette, I told you this was a date between His Highness and your sister. You've made Noelle cry. Your Highness, I believe it's unnecessary to inform you who your future betrothed is. I will bring this to the queen's attention."

"Uh? But Baroness, I didn't..."

"No excuses are needed, Odette, and make sure this doesn't happen again. Remember to apologize to Noelle."

"Yes, Mother, I'm sorry... I just wanted to say hello..."

The girl apologizes, intending to leave with her maid, while the prince must also depart. He is somewhat nervous because if his mother finds out what happened, she will scold him. The queen seems to prefer Noelle more ever since they talked a year ago. Noelle remembers that time when she visited the palace with her father and decided to explore in search of the place where the knights trained. She entered the queen's garden, where the woman was enjoying tea. Noelle simply told her that she appreciated the invitation but was looking for the training grounds.

"Why would a little girl be looking for the training grounds?"

"Because I'm very interested in learning how to fight. If the need ever arises, I want to be ready to protect those I love."

The queen smiled at the words of the young girl and later learned that she was the Baron Le Blanc's daughter.

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