I Tamed the Monstrous Prince - Chapter 90

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He immediately realized the woman before him wasn’t quite right in the head, but he kept the observation to himself. It simply wasn’t important at that moment. “But, Your Highness… His Majesty… he cast me out… I… I…”

Mercedes sobbed, the humiliation of recent events overwhelming her. This woman truly despises Ireneia, he thought, inwardly cheering. Just as she had at home, the foolish Ireneia had once again earned the ire of those around her with her characteristically stiff demeanor within the palace walls. He could picture it perfectly. Now that he understood the situation, it seemed a good opportunity to gain this woman’s favor.

“How dreadful… Such a thing happened to you? How could Ireneia do that to you?”

He blinked dramatically, feigning tears—one of Giovinetta’s specialties. As his eyes reddened, Mercedes looked up in surprise. “My lady?”

“That’s just how she is. I’m ashamed to air my family’s dirty laundry, but she’s always been so cruel. She disrespected the parents who took her in and constantly tormented me out of jealousy.”

Giovinetta’s ability to summon tears at will stemmed from a unique capacity for immersion. She possessed an emotional depth that allowed her to fully inhabit any situation. Moreover, it was true that Ireneia had humiliated Giovinetta countless times. Remembering those painful moments brought fresh tears to his eyes, a single drop falling onto the table.

“Truly?”

Now fully absorbed, Giovinetta amplified her sorrow.

“Ireneia… that child… Oh, I’m so ashamed of my sister.”

“Oh dear, oh dear…” Giovinetta’s hand covered Mercedes’s withered one, her fingertips trembling dramatically.

“Allow me to apologize on behalf of my sister, Your Highness.”

Having wrung out the last of her tears, she offered a practiced, confident smile—a benevolent, beautiful smile radiating trustworthiness. Mercedes was practically dazzled. How had this perfect young lady appeared before her? How wonderful it would have been if she were the one to become Cesar’s wife. At that moment, a thought struck Mercedes like lightning.

“Yes, if we do it this way…” Once again, her inner voice slipped out, but such minor details no longer mattered. Nothing else was visible. Giovinetta, with a pitiful and gentle expression, wiped away her tears.

“What did you say?” Mercedes suddenly burst into laughter.

“Ha ha ha! Oh, nothing, nothing at all.” The realization of her true desire had brought on an uncontrollable fit of giggles. Why had she forgotten such a simple solution?

“Ha ha, ha ha ha…” Her shoulders shook with mirth. Giovinetta’s expression shifted to one of bewilderment.

“Well, in any case, Your Highness, thank you for your kindness.”

“No, no. I should be the one apologizing for showing you such an embarrassing display. I’m so… so sorry. Ha ha…” Mercedes, now laughing almost hysterically, covered her mouth with her hand. Giovinetta, however, didn’t bat an eye at this strange behavior. Such things weren’t important right now. “Please, if you have any troubles, confide in me. I shall be the Empress’s companion from now on.” She offered a full, bright smile.

“Truly?”

“Indeed. So, if there’s anything I can help you with, please don’t hesitate to ask.” Giovinetta of Flores was absolutely perfect. Mercedes would do anything for this young lady. Even after Giovinetta left, Mercedes remained in a state of giddy excitement.

“This must be handled quickly. What is that Elda dawdling about?” Was she short on silver? It didn’t matter. Mercedes would give her more, her entire fortune if necessary, just to remove this obstacle.

“Greedy wretch.” She would visit Elda again, give her more money, and tell her to eliminate her. That was all it would take. That was all it would take to set everything right. To welcome the right crown princess. Mercedes wore a terrifyingly happy smile. A picture had already formed in her mind: Cesar and Giovinetta, hand in hand, with Mercedes herself standing proudly beside them, all three beaming.