"I have been told that your behavior is deteriorating. Now you offend His Highness and make vulgar comments. Noelle, I hope you don't bring shame to this family."
"Father, I am only responding to the offensive comments made by Odette's friends. I think you should forbid her from associating with such rude girls."
"We are not talking about Odette. No matter what you hear, just let it go."
"And continue to have my dignity attacked? Tell me, Father, whose daughter am I, really? You treat me as if I am a burden. Is it possible that Odette is actually the daughter of your lover?"
The Baron takes a thick book from his desk and throws it at Noelle, but she easily catches it and smirks mockingly.
"Do you want to get me in trouble with your mother? I have never had a lover."
"Whatever. Either way, don't worry, Father. I will leave here in two years. I'm sure the Grand Duke's response will arrive soon."
"What are you talking about? I did not send any response to his letter."
"I did. I accepted the marriage proposal from the heir of the Grand Duke. But Father, don't look for me when you have nothing. When I leave this house, to me, you will be dead."
Noelle throws the book back, which the Baron dodges, but he can see how it lodges into the wall. Although the book is thick and hardcover, it takes incredible strength to cause such damage. Later, the Baroness enters Noelle's room, looking concerned.
"Darling, your father told me you should not have accepted that marriage proposal."
"It's alright, Mother. I trust myself. I will be fine after getting married, and you will be the only one I show compassion to."
Noelle embraces the Baroness, who is surprised by her words. Her daughter has always been mature since she was little, she just hopes she will be safe in that Duchy.
"Noelle, I wish I could do more for you."
"You have done a lot, Mother. Whatever happens, you know you can count on me."
Among all those people she knows, only her mother is worth it since she has never been indifferent and has not taken Odette's side, unlike her father, who deserves to be brought down. A carriage has arrived at the Le Blanc mansion. It was the prince who had come to meet Odette and speak with the Baron to finalize the engagement.
"Miss Odette, how nice to see you."
"Your Highness, I am glad you came. I feel honored by your presence."
"I have come to speak with your father. The king has entrusted me to finalize the engagement with the seal of your family."
"Really? Then it's a done deal... Your Highness, I feel truly fortunate to have been chosen."
Odette appears shy in front of the prince, looking down.
"On the contrary, I am the fortunate one to know you."
Both enter the house, with Odette leading Francis to the Baron's office. Noelle was in the living room, which they have to pass through to reach the office. Francis stops, expecting a greeting from Noelle, but she calmly sips her tea.
"Sister, the prince is here, you should..."
"Yes, but he came to see you and my father. I don't have to offer my courtesy."
"Sister, don't be rude, that's why everyone turns against you."
"Not everyone, just those silly girls who follow you."
"Miss Noelle, I don't need your greeting, but don't be rude to your sister."
"She's my cousin, not my sister, or maybe she's actually my father's bastard, who knows."
Odette has tears in her eyes upon hearing Noelle's words. The prince embraces her, trying to comfort her.
"I knew my sister didn't love me, but to say something like that... My father has only taken care of me because he promised my mother."
"Miss Noelle, saying something like that, you should apologize for being so cruel."
"I don't have to apologize. If anyone owes an apology here, it's Odette, for always playing the victim."
"Miss Noelle!"
Noelle ignores the prince and decides to leave the place. The presence of both is bothersome, especially when she hears the sobs of the crying blonde. After the unpleasant moment, the engagement between Odette and Francis finally becomes official. In order to announce it formally, plans are made to organize a party where they will be introduced as the future heirs to the crown. However, the queen is far from pleased. It was supposed to be her responsibility to oversee the event, but she has refused and had a big argument with the king about it. She prefers leaving the palace and heading to the family's countryside residence.
"Mother, you cannot leave such an important matter. If the party doesn't happen, Miss Odette might be rejected by your followers."
"That's the point, Francis. I've told you, not that girl. If you want an engagement party, then you make it happen."
"Mother, please don't do this. Father is furious about your refusal to organize the party. It could bring a bad reputation to the palace."
"Then I'll just get a divorce, your father should have supported me. It's not just about whether you like the girl or not, it's about her being a good queen."
Having said that, she picked up her coat, as her luggage had already been taken to the carriage. Since the queen cannot organize the party, the Baroness is asked to take charge, but she also rejects being the organizer.
"Why are you doing this? Odette will be ridiculed by everyone."
"My dear, my daughter is Noelle, that's all I will say."
The woman rose from the table, Odette remained silent, lips tightened and teary-eyed. Noelle simply smiled mockingly and also got up from the table.
"With your permission, father, I leave everything in your hands. Odette is the one engaged, so she should be the one to organize it all."
Odette broke down in tears in front of her father, not because the Baroness doesn't love her, but because she's frustrated by the queen's refusal to accept her. Everyone will talk, and it will be known that the queen has rejected her as the prince's intended bride.
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