The Bad Ending of an Otome

Josselin

Cassio noticed the woman’s color change as she briefly patted her eyes with a handkerchief. The queen, on the other hand, let out an exaggerated sigh.

“If only it were possible, Lord Cassio, how happy I would be?”

‘And now for the major point.’

“Yes. That kid, Alosia, only mixed in social circles when she was very little and has been quietly studying since then, so she knows very little about the world. Why would I tell you a lie in front of you? As a result, it would be ideal if Alosia had a well-mannered companion and Alexis had a trustworthy older brother figure.”

Glamis Knights’ Deputy Commander. 

Currently, a competent person manages the knight order, while the commander could be more effective. 

Its worth regarding mobilizing military strength on the front lines cannot be quantified.

The Brahamdorff family is powerful, but only in terms of knowledge and financial power, not military strength. 

Therefore, they can be called competitors. 

Both were desired influences for the queen, who sought a peaceful regal succession for Prince Alexis. 

Raretis’s stubborn disposition was widely known, so he wouldn’t rashly attach himself to the Grand Duke and generate opposition, but wasn’t politics usually too insecure to rely on only that?

“I cautiously approached the Windroses, but…”

Her exquisite face bore a lonely expression. 

The queen’s request had been denied by both the Brahamdorff and Windrose, but it was evident why she had contacted Cassio and pleaded.

‘Does she aim to instill childlike envy?’

From the start, they had a good and a good connection. 

The House Windrose remained neutral, using his daughter’s illness as justification, while the Brahamdorff declared himself the king’s right-hand man. 

Given that the current Brahamdorff patriarch is the finance minister, it was natural, but the ‘king’ he served had stopped eating and drinking. 

It was uncomfortable to organize such a spectacular debutante ball and have so many royals attend while the king’s health could have been in better shape. 

However, this was the first time anyone mentioned this.

Grand Duke Franz was now concealing his ambition. 

The premature celebration would become a lethal drink if the monarch recovered from his illness. 

But it didn’t mean he hadn’t begun planning.

“Lord Raretis gave the same reason and politely refused.”

“Lord Raretis is overly modest. Who else, outside the prince, who is still a child, would be the best influence in the kingdom?”

Cassio wholeheartedly agreed with the queen’s statements. 

It was like a play where both actors were unaware of each other’s true intentions.

“Who am I to blame? It’s because Alosia, like myself, needs to improve. Furthermore, the lady brought to the banquet by the Marchioness was stunning.”

Cassio simply smiled as he progressed to the main point. 

The queen had a keen wit. 

She must have heard about the uproar at the party earlier. 

Cassio’s companion was Emilia, Ophelia’s friend, and Raretis’ partner was Elodie, who resembled Ophelia. 

And Edmund Gloucester slapped Emilia while courting Elodie…

It was a story that the upper crust would like.

Nobody knew why Ophelia’s friend, who had never been in society before, clutched Cassio’s hand. 

What reaction would the Marchioness have in the same place as Elodie, whom she treasured as her daughter? 

It piqued their interest much. 

In other words, Princess Alosia, who had only recently made her debut, was entirely lost in the public eye.

“If it’s such a lady, it’s natural for even a stubborn person like Lord Raretis to be tempted, right?”

Objectively, Raretis Hope was the groom the queen desired for the princess. 

The queen would not have stated this if Cassio had determined to hang himself on Elodie like Edmund.

The queen’s expression was gentle.

“I’ve heard she’s a lady the Marchioness particularly adores.”

“Perhaps the Marchioness didn’t like our Alosia as much as we thought.”

“Surely not. It must be because she didn’t dare offend the gracious princess.”

Yes.

 This is how things work. 

Cassio Brahamdorff also turned down the princess as a partner, but Raretis’ worth as a groom was far more significant. 

Cassio was well-liked in social circles and friendly to everyone, which contributed to his image as a famous playboy. 

Furthermore, the present Brahamdorff Head serves as finance minister and is a faithful servant of the current king. 

A horse quietly sitting in the stable with its reins on and another horse grazing freely in the pasture.

When asked which is more desirable, the answer is the latter. 

This is especially true if the horse has not been well-tamed and is still determining which pasture it will enter. 

Even more so if it has a pricey golden saddle.

Marquis Windrose commands the most neutral forces. 

The power structure will shift depending on which side he chooses.

If House Windrose was to return to the social scene at this time, they had to make a wise decision.

If Cassio were in charge, he would have kept Raretis out of this season and coupled Elodie with Edmund. 

The Marchioness wouldn’t have to feel burden about her daughter and the princess.

The Marchioness, who is faint-hearted, appears to have been concerned unless she left Elodie to Raretis, whom I trust more than anyone else.

“Countess McGinty was also here just now.”

“Really? This is a tremendous honor for our family.”

“The Countess spoke about the young lady chosen as Cassio’s partner.”

Cassio took a breather.

“She said that if she knew the princess was going to offer her precious hand, she would have taken better care of you, avoiding troublesome people and recuperating in the countryside.”

Cassio finally grinned confidently, although uncomfortably.

“My aunt was taking care of her naughty nephew.”

“What should I do? I see what you’re saying. We should have reached out before deciding on a partner. The maternal heart that adores her daughter. I didn’t rush through the work.”

With this, Emilia Claire’s background was almost entirely revealed. 

The story that Countess McGinty brought Emilia while she was traveling, who was sleeping in the countryside to avoid the bustling eyes of people. 

Because there were no trustworthy young men, Cassio was brought in, and it was only after that that the royal proposal arrived, which could be accepted.

Of course, it’s a ruse. 

A royal proposition. 

It was enough for Emilia, a young lady with no heritage, to pass on the remaining noble inheritance to anyone. 

Even if you realize it’s a ruse, if the other person accepts it, it’s game over.

“I can only admire the Queen’s broad and deep heart.”

“So, I asked Countess McGinty for a favor.”

Finally, it was time for the main point. 

Cassio was worried about Emilia, who was waiting alone in the lounge because the conversation had lasted much longer than intended. 

He couldn’t deal with it fast or exhibited symptoms of wanting to conclude it quickly, mainly because it was an essential conversation. 

His chest curiously lurched when he remembered Emilia, who had a swollen cheek but maintained a serene face.

“What is it?”

“Princess Alosia has been absent from society for far too long. Even today’s episode makes me anxious, seeing her so agitated. So if she spent some time with young ladies her age who made their debut today, that could help.”

Cassio saw the queen’s face as a mask, simulating friendliness with a grin. 

The queen indicated that she couldn’t personally invite people to the palace; therefore, he should make the arrangements. 

Well. 

He should collaborate independently because he will avoid touching ‘Emilia’ personally and upsetting the Brahamdorff family.

The anticipated goal is.

“In particular, that young lady, Elodie. Who knows if our Alosia would understand her immaturity after spending time with such a girl.”

Elodie, most likely. 

Cassio Brahamdorff could only smile. 

The scenario was too amusing to bear. 

In any case, there was only one possible response. 

The Marchioness, poised for combat like a tiger, was resolved to protect a young baroness from the countryside. 

Even if the gentle and frail Marchioness made a scene, breaking her silence, and positioned Raretis Hope by her side. 

Consider the following scenario. 

Eventually, it came to this. Cassio, on the other hand, was content.

His uninterested companion failed to pique the royal family’s interest. 

No, depending on how things go, it could be more reassuring. 

He finished calculating and smiled like spring sunshine. 

It was a deliberate smile.

“Do you have any doubts? Don’t be concerned. Everything will go as planned.”

His grey eyes curled lovingly. It was a crocodile-like smile, but no one in the room cared.

* * *

“What is this, Miss!”

Kitty formed melancholy eyes with her puffed-up cheeks. 

Her eyes were puffy as though she was about to cry, and she looked sad, like a puppy. 

I shook my head swiftly.

“It doesn’t hurt too bad. It will improve in a day or two if I apply an ice pack.”

“Still, still, still! Getting so well suited up, then on the day of the debutante ball…”

I guessed what she didn’t say. 

I smiled and patted Kitty on the back. 

At first, I wasn’t used to Kitty making a big deal out of everything. 

But it felt good now. 

My heart warmed somewhat.

I decided to leave the ballroom after meeting Cassio in the outdoor garden. 

Anyway, it was evident that if I pushed myself to go back in, I wouldn’t see anything positive. Seeing Raretis, Elodie, and the Marchioness was quite enjoyable. 

I had a headache just thinking about seeing the three of them again. 

Countess McGinty remained in the ballroom to cover for my early departure. 

It was encouraging.

Kitty, who seemed extremely sad when I returned, provided a warm towel and carefully removed my makeup. 

Then, I removed the delicate and beautiful silk dress I had layered numerous times and replaced it with comfy clothes and a shawl. 

I could only leave the room after downing a cup of soup in one shot, thanks to Kitty’s insistence that it would be severe if I got sick from overexertion. 

Kitty tried to stop me, suggesting it would be best to rest if I was exhausted, but she softly relented when I mentioned I had things to discuss with Cassio.

When I knocked on Cassio’s door, I received a prompt response.

“Come on in.”

I did not object and opened the door. Cassio Brahamdorff greeted me from inside, unusually without a grin. 

The room smelled strongly like ink. 

Even though there should have been a separate study and office, all types of documents were piled up in the room.

The man, who had dressed comfortably like myself, offered me a seat. 

There was a little table with low-alcohol champagne, water, and finger-sized appetizers. 

Cassio presented me with a glass of water.

“You’re moving faster than I thought.”

“Show me the letter.”

“…Emilia, you don’t waste any time. My efforts appear futile, and you came to this room just for the letter.”

“That’s true, isn’t it?”

I retorted, my eyes wide awake.

“You must be very wounded in your pride. Did you walk into a room ostensibly for men without being nervous?”

“Wow, Cassio, are you so tense because you’re afraid I’ll do something stupid like the soggy bread that ended up in the soup after you went to the ball?”

“…”

Cassio shook his head, irritated by my casual remarks. 

He appeared to be saying something in moorish.

‘To assume that merely because of Ophelia, people can change…’

Cassio grumbled and took out a mail envelope, barely audibly murmuring something in moorish.

“Fine. Let’s go to the point and figure things out.”

There were remnants of a scarlet seal that had once sealed it. 

At first view, it appeared to be a regular letter envelope.

As I slowly opened the package and removed its contents, I noticed a folded paper. 

The handwriting was thin and crisp. 

It emitted a very mild perfume aroma. 

Cassio presented it to me.

I grabbed it with shaky hands, cautious not to rip or crumple it in my haste. 

The fine handwriting was evident. 

Ink blots were strewn about, most likely from rushed writing.