NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 88: Is It Infatuation Or Betrayal?
The following day, Ann's voice resonated through the mansion, reprimanding Lily for her manners and language. Aside from that, the day passed without incident.
The day after that, Althea, accompanied by Clara, Regalus, and Laila, departed from the Monclair estate and headed towards the royal castle. As they were leaving, Lily made a fuss, insisting that she wanted to go too. However, Clara, with an imposing aura, convinced her to stay and continue her etiquette studies at home.
Inside the carriage en route to the castle, Clara abruptly began to speak.
"By the way, Althea, about the incident where you were attacked... We haven't figured out the reason yet, but the possibilities are limited. One is that someone purely obsessed with you acted on their feelings, or they were manipulated by someone else infatuated with you. Another possibility is..."
Clara paused, scrutinizing the faces of the two children attentively before continuing.
"...that someone knows Althea's secret."
"That's impossible!"
Regalus's voice grew agitated, then trembled as he continued.
"If that's the case... it would mean someone we trust has betrayed us."
"Incidentally, are there others besides Jean and Laila, who were present during the magic measurement, who know the secret?"
Clara asked, her gaze inscrutable as she looked at Regalus.
"...Prince Siegfried."
"And no one else?"
"No. I haven’t told Kartlis, Oliver, or anyone else."
"I see... Althea, how about you?"
"I haven't told anyone either. Not my friends Julia or Kaera, nor Lady Gresha."
"So, besides the Monclair family, only the prince knows. What exactly did you tell him?"
Regalus hesitated before answering.
"...About the transparent mana, the advanced magic book, and the ability to enchant."
Even Clara, usually composed, couldn't hide her shock. She paused before unleashing her rare fury.
"That's everything!! Regalus, I'm not doubting your judgment of character, but the prince is both your friend and the future king of this country! Did you not consider he might use Althea for the state's benefit?!"
Regalus and Althea remained silent.
"Regalus!"
Impatient with Regalus's silence, Clara called out his name loudly and sharply.
Regalus lifted his head, meeting Clara's gaze without flinching.
"I don't believe he would use Althea."
"Why are you so sure?"
"I've known Sieg for seven years since we first met at the age of ten. I've observed him as a friend and assessed him to see if he is someone worthy of my trust and loyalty. And besides, he..."
Regalus paused, glancing at Althea.
—He hasn't explicitly said it, but... I'm pretty sure Sieg...
"Regalus?"
Clara's voice snapped him back to the present.
"Anyway, I trust Sieg. He understands the importance of our family's trust and the consequences of undermining it."
"I see... From his behavior during his visit to our house, he seemed promising as a future leader... I'll trust your judgment."
"Thank you."
"In that case, it seems more likely that this was driven by infatuation... But we won't know for sure until that boy from Fulltale, Richt, regains his senses. Also, we received a letter from the Pope addressed to Thomas. It says, 'We would like to conduct another secret measurement of Althea's mana.'"
"...What? My mana?"
"Yes. Since it's supposed to be secret, I'm not sure how they'll manage it... If we go to the church, someone will notice. In any case, they plan to conduct another mana measurement during this summer break. Be prepared."
Althea exchanged a glance with Regalus and nodded.
"Understood."
Before long, the carriage arrived safely at the royal castle. Althea went with Clara, while Regalus was escorted by Curio to their respective destinations.
