Formerly, the Fallen Daughter of the Duke: Volume 4 [Complete] by Ichibu Saki

Author:Ichibu Saki
Language: eng
Format: epub

When Claire lifted the tent flap following her conversation with Lui, she heard Charlotte’s voice. It sounded to her like Charlotte was talking with the other noble girls.

“I am Charlotte Martino, if it pleases you. The daughter of Duke Martino of Noston,” she said, introducing herself.

“The Martinos?” said another girl. “Would that be the family with the strong affinity for magic?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Why, how incredible! You come from a superb family line. And I see you and Prince Gilbert are on most familiar terms as well. Are you by chance a candidate for his hand?”

“You’re not far off the mark,” Charlotte boasted. “I’m only here because Prince Gilbert asked me to come all the way back to his kingdom with him, you know.”

“My, my!”

Claire saw the other girls’ demeanors shift as they acknowledged Charlotte’s achievement, whereupon each began greeting Charlotte by turns. Thus, Charlotte would soon come to be known as Prince Gilbert’s fiancée, Claire expected. She hasn’t said anything definite, but that changes nothing, she thought. It’s just like her that she can make everyone think the wrong thing with nothing but a few frivolous remarks.

As Claire scrunched up her face in disgust, more of the conversation floated over to her. “You know, I was just thinking how odd it was for there to be no goddess in this tournament, but perhaps Lady Charlotte will fill the role,” said one girl.

“Maybe His Highness plans to propose here and now!” another gushed.

Befuddled, Charlotte spoke up loudly among the other suddenly animated girls. “A goddess?” she asked. “What’s that?”

“Oh, I suppose you wouldn’t know, being from Noston as you are. In our hunting tournaments, one person plays the role of goddess to give the winner her blessings,” a girl explained.

“That’s right,” another chimed in. “Of old, this tournament was held for those of the royal family to formally court a lady. Thus, I believe Prince Gilbert must be keeping with tradition in going out of his way to host a tournament. It’s much too last-minute otherwise!”

“How lovely!” exclaimed a third.

Claire realized these girls were imagining the prince wooing this pretty, young duchess-to-be from a foreign kingdom. Their excited squeals carried all across the pavilions.

Once understanding dawned, Charlotte seemed not altogether displeased. “What a romantic form of courtship,” she said. “Wait, but this event was done in my favor! Oh, Prince Gilbert is so wonderful! He couldn’t be any more different from Prince Asbert in Noston.”

Claire did not know what to think. She couldn’t help but feel pity for her old childhood friend, first for having his hands full with Charlotte, and now to be lambasted even in another kingdom. Furthermore, Asbert was the heir to Noston’s throne. Claire almost left her pavilion to correct Charlotte’s statement, unable to stomach letting such unfavorable criticism of her homeland spread, but Lui caught her by the shoulder.

“Don’t stop me, Lui,” she said.

“No, don’t worry. I’ll go.” So saying, Lui left the pavilion in Claire’s stead. She wore a smile that looked much like Vik’s whenever he was plotting something.

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