Because of his outstanding appearance, people often described him as “a frighteningly scary but witty and charming Crown Prince,” but in Duke Bedford’s eyes, Aaron was nothing more than a reckless youth intoxicated by his own arrogance.
One who might cause trouble at any moment.
“Furthermore, if Lizzy’s existence were revealed, the one who would be in the most trouble would be me. Why would I be the one to mention her name first?”
This was also a reasonable argument. It was unlikely that the intelligent Ariella would have acted so thoughtlessly.
“Even if you humiliated me, to lie to your father… how could you? Even if you were blinded by love, you should have maintained a minimum level of decorum…”
Grind, Duke Bedford gnashed his teeth.
‘To dare, without knowing your place, to make a fool of me? Who put me in that position!’
Rage at the arrogant Crown Prince and the cunning woman who used him boiled up from deep within his chest, scorching his throat.
Since he had already promised to find a tutor for Lizzy, he couldn’t retract it. This was because there was no way to prove Aaron’s lie. He couldn’t possibly go around and question each of the nobles who secretly attended the masked ball just to find out that one fact.
In short, he had fallen completely for the Crown Prince’s trick.
Bang! Duke Bedford slammed the table roughly. The dishes containing the carefully prepared food clattered together, making a sharp sound.
Startled, the maids quickly retreated. They seemed to want to leave the dining room to avoid the anger, but it was impossible as they had to serve.
‘This level of anger should be enough.’
Ariella continued to feign sadness, observing the Duke’s furious expression.
Although much information suggested that Lizzy was likely the real daughter, for some reason, the Duke refused to acknowledge Lizzy as his daughter.
Others would say, “The affection of raising her is frightening.”
Affection of raising her? Ariella thought there was nothing more ridiculous.
Her father was merely weighing his options.
Which one would be more useful? Which one could be sold for a higher price?
‘I should start my sales pitch.’
Ariella took a sip of warm tea to soothe her throat. Then, she squeezed out a sorrowful and pitiful voice.
“Father, am I truly the right lady for Bedford…?”
“…What do you mean?”
“I truly love Bedford, but because of that, it pains me so much… I’m losing confidence. The maids said in my absence that Lizzy is surprisingly intelligent and wise. They said that with proper education, she could fully perform the role of a lady and that she seems to have a strong desire to contribute to Bedford.”
She had never heard such words directly, but it was obvious what Lizzy’s underlings would chatter about in front of the servants. In reality, Lizzy was quite clever. Whether she was wise or not, she didn’t know.
“Aaron’s heart is with Lizzy, and it’s even become a rumor. Is it truly… the right path for Bedford for me to remain in this position? I don’t know.”
Ariella bit her lip as if holding back tears.
“Perhaps it would be more beneficial to the family if I disappeared and Lizzy became the lady of Bedford and married Aaron…?”
She deliberately avoided mentioning whether she was real or fake. It was to make it seem as if the lady of Bedford couldn’t endure Lizzy’s wickedness and sacrificed herself for the family.
As planned, her statement shocked everyone present.
For someone who had lived their entire life with a noble status to give up everything for Bedford… to the servants, it was a most sacred sacrifice.
They inwardly blamed the faithless Crown Prince, cursed the vile Lizzy, and idolized Ariella.
Meanwhile, Duke Bedford’s thought process was slightly different.
‘If Lizzy is the real one.’
He must have considered this possibility. He had thought about it dozens, hundreds of times, and his conclusion had always been, ‘Ariella is better.’
However, seeing the recent developments and hearing Ariella’s words, another possibility began to emerge.
If Lizzy becomes the real one.
Duke Bedford reevaluated that possibility and slowly scanned Ariella.
The daughter he had raised was beautiful and elegant. Even outside the imperial family, she was valuable enough to be sold for a significant sum.
“…You have such a kind heart, Arrie. I’m deeply moved as your father to see you grow up so well.”
The businessman, having made a quick decision, spoke.
“Perhaps, as you said, that might be the path to benefit Bedford. But even if Lizzy is recognized as the real daughter, don’t worry, you won’t be driven out of this house.”
“…What?”
“We’ll say we adopted a distant relative. Faking such documents is easy. Not much will change. We can find another marriage partner.”
