Chapter 264
What on earth is going on? Sebelia tried to steady her nerves and relax her tense posture.
Just then, one of the young ladies, seemingly the ringleader, stepped forward and spoke apologetically.
“We’re very sorry for the trouble. We knew this was a restricted area, but when we heard rumors of ghosts, we got carried away and let our curiosity get the better of us. There haven’t been any good parties or festivals lately, either…”
“There’s no need to explain further, ladies. I’ll be sure to notify your families about this.”
Ludmil replied calmly, pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to keep his composure. But inwardly, he was more than a little surprised.
Why is Rosalyn Inverness here?
She was basically considered Prince Hares’s fiance—even if the engagement ceremony hadn’t taken place yet. He’d never once heard that she mingled with girls her own age like this.
I’d better wrap this up quickly.
Glancing at Dehart, Ludmil made sure to disperse the group when Rosalyn, with a dazzling smile, spoke up for everyone to hear.
“Were you all here to see the ghost, too?”
“Lady Rosalyn, I’m afraid that’s not something we can discuss. And you and your friends should leave as well. You know this is a restricted area, don’t you?”
Sebelia said, trying to keep things polite but firm.
But Rosalyn wasn’t so easily put off. She glanced at the stiff-faced Dehart, then turned back to Sebelia.
“Why so formal, Miss Bella? Aren’t we all about to become very close, in one way or another?”
“If you don’t stop, I’ll have to call the authorities.”
Claude cut in with a sharp voice. Rosalyn only laughed, her eyes curling with mischief.
“Oh dear, how frightening. You’re all acting as if something truly sinister is going on. Could it be that these ghosts are just illusions conjured by Miss Bella?”
Sebelia gave only a diplomatic smile, sensing Rosalyn was just fishing for a reaction. Rosalyn seemed satisfied, letting out a soft chuckle as she continued.
“Well, I suppose not. Lady Celia said she saw a man, not a woman…”
“That’s enough.”
A heavy voice cut through the hall like thunder, making the other girls jump in surprise.
Only Rosalyn stared back at the speaker, undaunted.
“That’s enough. Take your friends and go, Rosalyn.”
As he spoke, Dehart moved forward, stepping protectively between Rosalyn and Sebelia.
“I’d like to think you can understand a direct dismissal when you hear one.”
His gaze was cold and his voice was utterly indifferent, as if speaking to a stranger rather than family. Rosalyn tilted her head, amused.
“Is this really how siblings talk to each other? It almost sounds like an order.”
“If that’s how you choose to take it, so be it. And honestly, if you really are my sister, it’s only right that you obey the head of the family.”
“Oh, you mean that family lordship you stole while I was gone?”
Rosalyn clapped her hands lightly, her eyes glinting with interest.
“How fascinating. Prince Hares promised he’d give it to me as a wedding present. I can’t help but get my hopes up!”
Rosalyn kept smiling, never once backing down from Dehart’s glare. But Dehart, though no one else seemed to notice, was beginning to lose his composure. Only Sebelia, who was standing close behind him, could tell.
“Bella?”
Dehart started in surprise at the warmth of Sebelia’s hand suddenly gripping his. She stepped to his side, matching Rosalyn’s radiant smile with one of her own.
“This isn’t really the best place for a leisurely chat, is it? Why don’t you visit our estate some time? I’d love to host you, Lady Rosalyn.”
“…What?”
“I just thought, it would be a shame for Lady Rosalyn to part ways with your family after so long. Don’t you agree?”
Dehart was at a loss, unable to process what was happening as Sebelia smoothly took charge of the conversation and gently pressed Rosalyn.
“And I think we have a few misunderstandings about the matter of succession, don’t we? It would be best to have a proper talk, in a proper setting.”
“Well—”
Just moments ago, Rosalyn had been sparring with Dehart, sparkling with energy. Now, she looked uncharacteristically hesitant, her brow furrowing as she tried to come up with an excuse—only to be interrupted by voices from the hallway.
“There you are, Rosalyn!”
Pushing past the guards, Prince Hares entered, followed by a rather exasperated-looking Shateian.
“Come on, it’s time to go.”
Discussion
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RBluemoon238
From my understanding, the male inherit titles. The woman once married changes her name. In order for a noblewoman to hold power she must marry someone under her in rank and hold power over other relatives and servants. Am I missing some points in understanding or is that sister delusional. In order to keep the position she nearly lost she would need power. The prince isn't a choice that will allow her to keep influence even if she somehow manages to keep her family name after marriage.