Chapter 12
The old Duke, who already had more than five concubines, wanted to make the process of taking Rayliel as his concubine as simple as possible.
His interest was never in any elaborate ceremony, which he deemed unnecessary, meaningless, and worthless. His sole focus was on the purity of the v*rg*n he desired.
In her previous life, Rayliel had been sold off to Duke Delsen without any formalities. It seemed that this life would be no different.
“…….”
Standing in front of the Adelheit mansion, Rayliel’s eyes were filled with despair as she gazed at the carriage waiting for her.
The carriage, emblazoned with the Delsen family crest, was excessively ornate and gaudy. While Heinz expressed his gratitude, saying how honored he was that the Duke had paid such attention, to Rayliel, the carriage looked more like a coffin leading her to her death.
“You’re ready. His Grace is waiting. Let’s go.”
The coachman, who had been speaking with Heinz, noticed Rayliel and flashed a repulsive smile.
“Farewell, Rayliel.”
Karin, standing beside Rayliel, embraced her tightly, patting her back gently.
“If you ever miss home, just send us a letter. Seltin and I will come running right away.”
“Yes, Sister… No, I’ll be the one to send you a letter first. I’ll really miss you…”
Seltin mumbled as she stroked Rayliel’s hand.
“I truly wish you the best for your future. And… thank you so much, for everything.”
But despite her seemingly kind words, Seltin’s grip tightened, her nails beginning to dig into Rayliel’s skin.
“Goodbye, Rayliel.”
Seltin then whispered in a voice so low that Heinz couldn’t hear,
“Since you’ve already slept with a man whose name you don’t even know, I’m sure you’ll be able to serve well.”
“…….”
“Did you hear what Mother said earlier? You’d better do it properly. After all, you’re my good older sister, right? And an older sister should be helpful to her younger sibling.”
“Get in the carriage, Rayliel.”
The moment Heinz gave the command, Karin and Seltin linked arms with Rayliel.
As the carriage drew closer, Rayliel clenched her fists and thought:
‘Rather…’
Yes, rather…
‘…I should just die.’
Sooner or later, the Delsen family would be executed. There was no way to prevent that. And she didn’t want to stop it—she wanted the Duke dead, and she knew she would die too.
But if she bit off her tongue here and now, she wouldn’t have to endure any more horrors. She wouldn’t have to be violated by that old man. She could leave the Adelheit family with despair instead of aiding them.
If I can’t change anything…
Or if my efforts to change the future weren’t enough…
She could gather all the remaining strength in her body and make one final attempt.
As Rayliel’s soft tongue slowly pressed between her upper and lower teeth…
“What is going on here? How dare you…!”
A scream from a servant rang out from up ahead.
And everyone’s gaze turned in the same direction.
Toward the horse galloping toward them, leaping over the servant’s head.
“W-What… Who are you!”
Heinz shouted angrily, pulling Karin and Seltin behind him protectively. Meanwhile, Rayliel stood alone, left behind in front of the carriage, staring at the horse that had stopped right before her.
“I’ve got some business here.”
And then, the rider leaped off the horse with a smirk.
“I didn’t expect to see such despicable acts.”
It was him.
The man who had embraced her like a beast just days ago.
The man who had taken her v*rg*nity.
Rayliel’s eyes widened as she stared at the man. He looked completely different from when they first met.
Gone was the tattered cloak. In its place was an outfit symbolizing a high rank. His hair was impeccably groomed, and his skin, once pale, now had a healthy, glowing tan.
But why was this man here? And why was he dressed so differently, speaking so brazenly to nobles?
“To hell with this, what in the world…!”
Rayliel’s gaze shifted to Heinz, who was shouting in disbelief. But shockingly, Heinz was unable to continue speaking.
His face froze in horror.
Despite trying to sell his daughter to secure Duke Delsen’s power, the Adelheit family was still a significant noble house within the empire.
This meant that there were very few people who could cause Heinz to react as if he were facing a superior.
‘Who… Who is he…?’
Rayliel’s question didn’t linger long.
“Lexi… No, I mean, Your Highness…”
The answer came from a panting stranger who had followed the man, leading his horse.
“Your Highness, the Crown Prince! Please, wait a moment!”
The Crown Prince?
This man?
“I thought you fell behind when you disappeared halfway, Ian.”
“Running at such a crazy speed… I… I couldn’t keep up…”
The man, referred to as Ian, dismounted, catching his breath. After a few coughs, he glanced at Rayliel and the other members of the Adelheit family.
“Greetings, Count. I am Ian Jacqueline, aide to His Highness the Crown Prince.”
Why was the Crown Prince here, of all places, at this exact moment?
This was undoubtedly a bad omen for Heinz.
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