Chapter 101


    It seemed as though Iona had nned all this, trapping her in a scheme of her own making.


    In the end, Iona did hold the upper hand in their rtionship, but not in the nefarious way Yvonne had. The truth was quite the opposite. It was Yvonne who had wished for Ionas misfortune and plotted against her. Thus, Iona could not reciprocate any answer that met Yvonnes expectations.


    Just like Nils, who had promised to fulfill a wish in exchange for solving the mine issue, ultimately had to pay not with material wealth but with an apology.


    Nils and you really are truly like siblings, Iona murmured in admiration before slowly shaking her head.


    ...


    Sorry, but you dont have a hidden ace to suddenly resolve this situation. Youre not that significant to me.


    What, then why are you doing this? I said its my fault. What more do you want me to do here!


    Its simple, youll receive the punishment you deserve for your mistakes.


    To Yvonne, that was the most unrealistic thing. She had never faced the consequences of her actions, regardless of what she did. Her sesses were exaggerated, and her failures minimized. Even now, Yvonneforted herself, believing she would find a way out, but she felt a sinking feeling in her heart, her heartbeat irregr.


    Iona reached out to a speechless Yvonne, sweeping back her hair as if pretending to be real sisters, revealing Yvonnes pale face.


    For the first time, Iona gave sisterly advice to Yvonne.


    Go and confess. Say it was a conspiracy with Florence, that you werent the only one at fault.


    And what if I dont do that?


    Then youll end up bearing the punishment for Florences part too.


    If you dont use me... if we go back to the mansion together now


    Yvonne gasped for air as if she had forgotten how to breathe. Her voice, uneven in volume, finally died down like a mouses.


    It was unclear whether hope had faded first, or if it was only after she stopped speaking that its absence was realized. The important thing was that whatever future Yvonne had hoped for, it would nevere, and the reason for that was none other than herself.


    Yvonne, its time for you to pay for your sins.


    It was a deration long foretold.


    <strong>***</strong>


    The news that Yvonne had plotted a heinous scheme against her half-sister spread rapidly throughout the capital.


    It was a deed too terrible for one woman to inflict upon another, and more shockingly, the identity of Yvonnes alleged aplice was deeply disturbing.


    The fact that Florence had contributed to humiliating Iona, a subordinate of the Crown Prince, was unfathomable.


    Initially, people were dismissive, wondering why Florence would do such a thing. However, as those in the know began to speak up, the narrative started to shift dramatically.


    While everyone kept a tight lip, it was already well-known within the pce that Florence had been particrly malicious towards Iona.


    However, due to ack of decisive evidence, suspicions against Florence had remained mere gossip.


    While no legal troubles had arisen, this did not mean Florences personal life remained unchanged. In the public sphere, the authorities had to prove her guilt, but privately, it was Florence who needed to establish her innocence.


    Consequently, Florence dismissed the usations as absurd fabrications and locked herself away in her mansion, away from those demanding exnations.


    Although Florence imed her innocence and was not officially a criminal, her self-imposed istion at home was not much different from Yvonnes current confined situation.


    In the midst of all the dirty spections, mockery, and nder masquerading as concern, the day of the royal ball finally arrived.


    Mydy, you look absolutely stunning.


    You will undoubtedly be the belle of the ball, Dame Iona.


    Indeed, youre dazzling even without any special lighting.


    The maids surrounding Iona unanimously showered her withpliments, chirping like songbirds.


    Feeling somewhat uneasy amidst the praise, Iona nced over at Marsha. Marsha, engrossed in selecting a headpiece, seemed too preupied to pay Iona much attention.


    It had been a long time since Ionas room buzzed with so many lively voices.


    It was a stretch for Marsha to handle all the preparations for the ball alone, necessitating the involvement of other maids as an extraordinary measure.


    While Marsha was pleased with the reduced menial tasks, Iona felt somewhat ufortable being attended to by unfamiliar hands.


    Above all, the most troubling part was the fawning ttery from the maids, eager to make a good impression on her.


    Iona knew all too well how adept they were at empty words.


    Expressing gratitude or joy for insincerepliments was somewhat embarrassing.


    Instead of responding to the maids words, Iona gently urged them to finish up.


    Can I stand up now?


    Not yet, you havent even put on all your jewelry.


    Marsha gently chided and signaled to the maids waiting in the background.


    It was a gesture to bring the disyed jewelry.


    Leroy had prepared more than just a dress for Ionas ball appearance.


    Checked by Penelopes Dressmaking, the morning delivery included not only the dress but also matching essoriesid out beside it.


    The ne and earrings, alternating ck sapphires and rubies,plemented the simrly hued dress perfectly.


    As Marsha stepped back after sping the ne, she looked at Iona through the mirror and took a quiet deep breath.


    Mydy, not that I havent always done my best, but today, really


    Marshas words were cut off by a loud knock at the door.


    A servant entered, his face alight with excitement, announcing the arrival of a guest.


    A carriage from the pce just passed the entrance.


    Regardless of the Crown Prince having a separate fiance, being escorted by royalty was an honor in itself.


    The maids, one and all, dropped their tasks and rushed to the window to gaze at the splendid carriage from the pce.


    They seemed to interpret the Crown Princes unusual request for a partner as a sign of trust and favoritism towards a reliable subordinate.


    While their interpretation was convenient, Iona secretly hoped people would view the situation in a simr light.


    Its time I went out.


    Relieved to step away from the mirror, Iona rose from her seat.


    Marsha, clutching a small handbag, quickly followed behind Iona.


    As Iona stepped into the hallway, she paused, sensing a lingering silence.


    Unlike other noble houses bustling with ball preparations, the Modrov residence was eerily quiet. The reason wasnt hard to guess.


    Continuing to walk, Iona asked in passing, What about Yvonne?


    I heard shes given up eating and just lies in bed. She refuses toe out, making it easier to look after her, actually.


    Thats unfortunate.


    Unfortunate? Shes enjoying luxuries she doesnt deserve, considering shes a criminal.


    Marsha, excited by Ionas indifferent reply, chimed in.


    Her words, though reflexive, seemed tofort Marsha. She couldnt fathom how someone could do such heinous acts like Yvonne had and argued that Yvonne deserved a harsher punishment  a sentiment Iona secretly agreed with.


    As they neared the ground floor, their conversation naturally dwindled.


    Approaching thest set of stairs, Iona pondered who might havee to meet her.


    It couldnt be the busy Crown Prince himself, could it? Would Saskia, the headdy-in-waiting, be a significant enough escort? Or perhaps just a nearby servant...


    With these thoughts, Iona peered down the foyer, only to freeze in ce.


    Hearing her approach, the person below looked up at the same time.


    Their eyes, initially wide, quickly narrowed back to normal.


    It was Richard, smiling with only the corners of his lips, greeting her.


    Ive been waiting for you, my knight.


    His voice carried a strangely tender tone, as if he was thoroughly immersed in the role of a maning to meet ady.


    Iona walked downstairs, making eye contact with him, feeling as if she were possessed.


    In sync with her movements, Richard approached the foot of the stairs and took her hand as if he had been waiting for this moment.


    His lips brushed slowly over the silk of her glove.


    Iona felt something soft and warm graze her hand as his lips parted, sending a shiver through her. Startled, she almost stepped back, but Richard firmly held her hand, preventing her from pulling away.


    After a moment, he lifted his head nonchntly, leaving Iona to wonder if she had imagined the whole thing.


    Perhaps it was just a misinterpretation caused by the glove covering her skin.


    Regardless, it wasnt something she could directly inquire about, so Iona, hiding her confusion, changed the subject.


    I didnt expect you toe for me personally.


    <strong>--- End Of The Chapter ----</strong>


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